From ChillicotheGazette. Story by Sara Nealeigh.

Petland, a privately owned U.S. operator and franchisor of pet stores based in Chillicothe, Ohio, plans to expand into North Africa and the Middle East including stores in Egypt.

The company has 131 stores in the U.S. and at least 63 in foreign markets including three in South Africa.

Petland signed a master franchise agreement to develop stores in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and Bahrain. The first store is set to open within a year, according to Petland officials.

“Many of these markets have seen significant growth and westernization in the pet industry. The love of pets is universal and pets are becoming more and more a part of the family in these regions,” said Steve Huggins, Petland vice president of business development and international relations, in an email.

The company, which has been in business over 48 years, has opened more than 20 new locations in international markets over the last two years, according to a press release.

The store has locations in Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador and South Africa.

Read more at ChillicotheGazette.