Petco class action alleges website not fully accessible to those with vision-related disabilities

Petco website class action overview: 

• Who: Two legally blind consumers, Clarence and Tammy Frost, have filed a class action lawsuit against Petco. 
• Why: The plaintiffs allege the company’s website is not accessible to individuals who use a screen reader.
• Where: The Petco website class action lawsuit was filed in a Minnesota federal court.

A new lawsuit alleges that Petco’s website is not fully accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision. 

Plaintiffs Clarence and Tammy Frost — who are both legally blind — filed the class action complaint against Petco Animal Supplies Stores Inc. on Sept. 16 in a Minnesota federal court, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

According to the plaintiffs, the website lacks key features necessary for screen readers, such as proper text descriptions for images, clear button functions, and adequate navigation cues.

“Defendant’s policies regarding the maintenance and operation of its Website fail to ensure its Website is fully accessible to, and independently usable by, individuals with vision-related disabilities,” the lawsuit says.

Multiple digital barriers to access, plaintiffs claimThe Petco website has a number of “digital barriers” that deny screen-reader users full and equal access to important website content, the lawsuit says. 

These deficiencies, which include “confusing” narration, unclear links and mostly images, prevent visually impaired users from having an equal online shopping experience, leaving them at a significant disadvantage compared to sighted users, the plaintiffs allege.

They cite research indicating that approximately 2.3% of the U.S. population reports having a visual disability. 

The lawsuit argues that making the website accessible would benefit not only this demographic but also Petco by expanding its market reach. Accessibility advocates point out that improved website access can enhance the user experience for all visitors, not just those with disabilities, according to the lawsuit.

The class action also includes claims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). 

The plaintiffs are looking to represent a nationwide class of people who are blind or have a low vision disability who use screen readers and who have accessed or may access the Petco website.

They’re seeking a permanent injunction that would require Petco to modify its corporate policies and ensure the website remains accessible to visually impaired users. They’re also seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In September, consumers hit Verizon with a class action lawsuit alleging its website is not independently usable by visually-impaired individuals in violation of the ADA.

What do you think of the allegations in this Petco website lawsuit? Let us know in the comments. 

Clarence and Tammy Frost are represented by Jason D. Gustafson, Patrick W. Michenfelder and Chad A. Throndset of Throndset Michenfelder LLC.

The Petco website class action lawsuit is Clarence Frost et al. v. Petco Animal Supplies Stores Inc., Case No. 0:24-cv-03669 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

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