What is EthicsPoint/the PetcoHotline?
May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?
Yes. You have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone at 1.888.736.9834 or the Internet at www.petcohotline.com.
What type of situations should I report?
The PetcoHotline system is designed for employees to report any violation of our Code of Ethics & Conduct Petco policy, or similar type concern.
Does management really want me to report?
Petco encourages partners to report their ethical concerns and you are required to report certain types of violations or incidents pursuant to Petco policy. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on Petco, our partners and our customers.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals within Petco who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident.
It is my understanding that any report I send from a company computer generates a server log that shows every web-site that my PC connects with, and won't this log identify me as a report originator?
EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to EthicsPoint is available. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter's identity. If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you have the option of using a PC outside our work environment or you can call the PetcoHotline toll-free at 888.736.9834.
I am concerned that the information I provide EthicsPoint will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
The EthicsPoint system is designed to protect your anonymity. If you file a report as "anonymous", be sure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity by accident. For example, "From my cube next to Jan Smith…" or "In my 33 years…".
Is the telephone toll-free hotline confidential and anonymous too?
Yes. When you call in, you will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide on PetcoHotline.com. The EthicsPoint interviewer will type your responses into the system on your behalf. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them as those submitted online.
What if I want to be identified with my report?
You always have the option to identifying yourself, and it will help when Petco conducts the investigation of the incident or violation.
I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
Petco requires compliance with the Code of Ethics and Conduct and Petco policy as a condition of employment. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the Petco and its partners, including you. In accordance with our Code of Ethics & Conduct, if you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, it is your duty to report.
What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won't they get the report and start a cover-up?
The EthicsPoint system and report distribution are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report at the PetcoHotline.com or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system by internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by the Petco case manager assigned to your report.
Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?
All PetcoHotline.com/EthicsPoint communications are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.
Can I still file a report if I don't have access to the Internet?
If you don't have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the toll-free PetcoHotline at +1888.736.9834. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.