On June 2, 2025 General Mills ended the Blue Buffalo Pet Detective program and Blue Pet Detectives were laid off. Very short notice! Many of the Pet Detective sales reps are over 65 and may find it difficult to find another job.
41 replies (most recent on top)
@m79
Just enjoy the weekend off I dedicated 14 yrs to Blue. I miss the pet parents and seeing all cute fur kids. It was fun when Blue owned once General mills took over all they cared abt was profit had no clue what we did my boss was being a real bi--h blaming me for poor sales on line order taking over now
@m79 I enjoy not having to go into the stores. Now that there is a gig economy with food delivery etc I am actually making more. While I miss the pet parents that I formed relationships with a few of them have reached out offering me pet sitting opportunities, dog walking opportunities etc.. They are saying that they are now telling everyone not to buy General Mills Blue Buffalo or Edgard and Ccoper, Tiki Cat, Blue Buffalo Cat foods and any other brand associated with General Mills because of the way in which we were terminated. They also refuse to buy any of their other products. The shelves are always full of Blue Buffalo and people have switched to Nulo.
So now that we no longer have jobs as pet detectives, what's everyone doing? Are you working? Did you find something you enjoy as much as working as a pet detective?
ceo of general mills needs go and the lady over see northern pets need go they clueless i feel for those workers who will loose their jobs with the restructure again. It affects me emotionally being told good bye like I didn't matter they just ruin blue buffalo and all the work the family put in to market their food. Should had us severance package i see stock has dropped too
I just read where General Mills was “restructuring” yet again?? There are three plants that will close. Seriously, can’t they figure out that it is not the workers they need to lay off but rather CEO greed that is causing these problems?
@OP Orginally I worked in the stores for NUTRO from 2005-2015. Was making $19.50 an hour. Started at $12 and got a raise EVERY year. They were bought out by M&M-Mars, i think around 2012ish...2015 laid off. They gave us $1000 severance, which is good for a part time job. I cried...I LOVED THEM. Now, IMMEDIATELY after I was laid off, Blue Buffalo manager called me asking if I was interested in joining their company(yes, a petco employee recommended me)...i wasnt crazy and passionate about the food brand but, needed the money. I started at $12, the bottom again (from $19.50 with nutro). A year later, right after my A- evaluation, I asked about raises and was told, THEY DONT GIVE RAISES TO PET DETECTIVES OR PART TIME ASSOCIATES. Seriously!!! For the next three years I stayed at $12 an hour and went through 3-4 different managers...then suddenly one day, I was terminated from the company for using a COUPON to buy dog food...im not joking. A petco manager(who i was kinda friends with) gave me these coupons that were expiring in a couple weeks...told me hand them out and I could use them myself if I wanted. (I wasnt told they could only be used at that store).Few days later, I was visiting my sister on other side of town...went shopping and used one coupon at the petco near her...few days later, my manager calls me and terminates me over the phone claiming "it is against company policy for a employee to use blue Buffalo coupons to purchase dog food". I still to this day have no idea how they knew i was a blue Buffalo employee. I rotated between 3-4 different stores in my area, maybe a petco employee transfered to store i was shopping at... Any way what a load of cr-p...but, it was OK. Although, I was thankful for the employment with no raises ever...I never did like the blue Buffalo food. I spent most of my time in the stores trying to defend their lawsuits. The only part i enjoyed was seeing dogs people brought in the stores. I tried to sell the blue Buffalo but, my heart was not in it anymore....
@748 I'm just enjoying my weekends back. I was a PD for 17 years. I feel bad for all my co-workers. At least for me, I did the job because I enjoyed it an believed in the product because I really needed the job itself.
Being tossed with the trash was certainly not on my Bingo card!
E&C isn't selling well here, it's going to be short lived. Having your remaining Blue reps now pushing a food that doesn't represent Blue of the main reason Blue is really set apart from any other brand (life source bits), just shows their customers how disingenuous the brand has become. So sad to see what Bill Bishop created being ruined. Not surprising though. Big business did with California Natural, Innova, Natural Balance, wellness, Solid Gold Merrick.... And many others that don't exist anymore after being gobbled up by corporations.
We all knew it would happen to Blue. I think we just got complacent since it took them more than 5 years to gut the company.
I worked for Blue Buffalo part time as a Pet Detective for five years until I quit in 2023 because I did not like my manager. When the Bishops owned the company, we did not have quotas, it was more about building relationships with the pet parents and educating them on our products. That made me want to do a great job. My numbers were always good. When this person became a boss, I was not happy because when he was a PD, it was all about him and he tried to hog all the customers the one time I had to work with him for an hour. As soon as General Mills took over it was all about numbers. Well, if the stores do not have treats or food, it's hard to make numbers. The person they promoted to be my new boss I just did not like at all. I felt the company was going away from what the Bishops started and my heart wasn't into the job anymore. The bad boss was what finally made me quit. I am sorry about them ending the program, but not surprised. They should have given severance packages. Big business and they are heartless. It will be Blue Buffalo's downfall for sure. God bless everyone, you will find another opportunity. Hang in there.
@748 I had an interview at Petco for a part time sales specialist position on the weekends. The assistant manager hired me on the spot!
I'm not angry, I am very disappointed in the way we were treated by General Mills/Blue Buffalo. The E&C brand has hit the PetSmart I was working at. I feel sad to go into a PetSmart/Petco these days. I so loved my job, the people I worked with, the customers and especially the pups. So...what's everyone planning to do going forward? Will you be looking for another job? If so, do you have anything in the works? I'm thinking about doing some dog walking. Best of luck to you all in whatever you decide is your next step.
@6f1 I do understand and I find myself at age 59 now thinking they took time from me and did not treat me fairly. They took advantage of all of us by discarding us all like garbage. We helped to build up that brand and in the process formed lifelong relationships with people and their pets. We were also their customers. I bought Blue Buffalo for my pets but I stopped buying it because General Mills now owns the brand and I will not give them one more dime for dog food, cereal etc. Many of my lifelong customers who visited with me at the store and made purchases are doing the same. Try to stay positive and upbeat. Start a pet walking business or just volunteering can lead to opportunities. God will fight for the ones who were done wrong.
@2y1 they kept PDs only in Petsmart's where the Edgar and Cooper is being launched and they have to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, maximum of 9 hours a week.
I'm sure when E&C falls on its face, they'll be laid off.
GM doesn't understand what they purchased in Blue. The backbone of blue was its PDs.
For seven years I worked every weekend and volunteered holidays to represent Blue Buffalo pet foods. I loved my part time job and the customers would compliment me for my knowledge and enthusiasm I had about my work. This job was my passion and I looked forward to going into work. Not many people can actually say that these days. But when I got a phone on June 2nd 2025 from my manager telling me I was no longer needed and that the Pet Detective positions had been eliminated, I was confused and devastated. Why? General Mills didn’t even offer us at least a two week notice so we could start looking for another job. What a selfish inconsiderate act to do to faithful employees especially those of us 63 years of age who depended on the income. I think of all the shoppers who I convinced that Blue Buffalo pet food by General Mills was a better choice for their fur babies and this is how the GM corporation treat us? I can’t even look at the General Mills products in grocery stores the same way anymore without being reminded of how dirty and shameful a company they truly are. The upper big wigs collecting their paychecks and bonuses wouldn’t even bat an eye at what they did to us. A one day notice, that your position has been eliminated and you are no longer needed. Wow!?! Thanks a lot General Mills. I hope your sales plummet
@3fe This is old news!!!!! General Mills SU-KS!
@OP We are a group of 30 “young” consumers. It is strange how General Mills thought this new Edgard and Cooper/Blue Buffalo would appeal to us. Where did they get this information that is incorrect?
These were our grandmas, aunts, moms and cousins who they laid off without a moment’s notice. We have seen them cry and become discouraged due to General Mills’ inconsiderate way that they were let go.
As a result we are banning all General Mills products from our college dormitory and will be spreading the news about this greedy corporation. Shame on you General Mills. Do better.
GO NULO!!!!
Much better products than Blue Buffalo!
Made in TEXAS!!! !
they kept PDs? wow. that's interesting! are you in a highly populated area or the coasts? hmm. anyway. looks like GM made a statement today:
https://www.generalmills.com/news/press-releases/general-mills-accelerates-growth-with-blue-buffalo-expansion-into-fresh-and-edgard-cooper-us-launch?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLGmAVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp4eLXZmYwNap5-fLXI4-ihoL5bdHxSwfIzhvWHyd-v-SMGh0yrz-rCBBKWPU_aem_czukhdaj_KXol93eW4P3hA
I think that it's horrible as these people have been wonderful in recommending products to try and suggestions in my multiple dog household guess instead of blue Buffalo I need to buy retriever or 4 health treats from tractor supply. Treat people wrong I'll take my money elsewhere
@1rf The few PDs they kept in my region, were ones that worked in Petsmart's where the new E&C will be launched. I was told when I was laid off they would be working 12 hours. I think they kept like 5 in all the states my Manager covered.
@1rf I was a PD for almost 3 years. Absolutely loved my PT job. I was discarded without notice, never felt more disposable or used by a company.. My boss told me before I got let go that E&C was acquired by GM, it is coming to the US soon and will be exclusive to petsmart. Idk about you but I won’t be buying any GM products anymore. Such a shame about the layoffs, for nothing but corporate greed.
always thought taxing the rebate was beyond lame! I've complained about that a few times. def the squeaky wheel did get the oil the last few years. I got some mail that I have some money to move out of a 401k. it mentions to sign in online to see the info but my pw doesn't work. calling customer service sounds line a pain in the ar-e. ugh. so depressing to deal with this.
@1z1 - I totally can relate. I had so many plans for my earnings when we were so abruptly swept under the rug. I feel taken advantage of and what was supposed to be a benefit, a reimbursement for a 40 dollar bag of food was taxed each month. Essentially we were their pet parent customers too, paying for our own salary. I definitely won’t be purchasing anything made by Blue Buffalo and will be reporting them for their Love them like Family Feed them like Family claims to the attorney general’s office in my state because now I am not so sure what they were putting into that food.
I pray for your upcoming surgery and for your well being. God is justice and He sees wrong doings and this was just so wrong. The store managers are upset because they have people coming into their stores asking for us by name. When they tell them the news of our layoffs the pet parent storms out of the store without purchasing anything. Step one of God’s justice. No one will want to purchase anything made by General Mills.
I worked as a Pet Detective for Blue Buffalo just under 14 years. It wasn't just a part time job for me it was something I truly enjoyed and believed in. I enjoyed going into the stores every week and sharing information and stories with pet parents and truly creating a bond with those people, their pets and the store associates.
With the way the economy has been lately and the slowness in foot traffic in the stores, it really does not surprise me that the program ended. However, what surprised me and disappointed me was how they chose to let their dedicated employees go. I'm coming up on a big surgery at the end of the month and was depending on that income to put aside to help get me through until I could return to work. To General Mills we are nothing more than a number. They gave no warning whatsoever. Not even a thank you for your years of service. Just as of today your service is no longer required. I can't even look for another job for three months. Thank you General Mills for being heartless. I knew when you bought Blue it was just a matter of time before we got canned so you could sit in your big beautiful offices and collect your bonuses. I truly believed that we were part of something special. I guess the slogan Love Them Like Family Feed Them Like Family only applies if you're not one of their employees. Shame on you General Mills. The greedy dollar has prevailed once again!
Searching dog food companies that general mills bought recently looks like Edgar and Cooper Europe company they have brand ambassador like Blue did. Makes me wonder if dog food will come to usa maybe why blue program dumped. Didn't see any demo under white bridge .. poor way of dissolve program we all poured our heart into building relationships with pet parents something keep eye on if Edgar Cooper dog food comes to usa
@hs so sad. Hard to comprehend! When I first started years ago, I was told that it was about Blue. They wanted us to educate pet parents which I know we all did! Like every other PD, I believed in the product and helping pets. I was planning on retiring from my full time job and still working for Blue. So much for that
@1h1 They had no severance package for pet detectives! No even an apple and a road map!
@hs
I worked for General Mills as a Pet Detective for over 6 yrs and loved it. I made so many friend and had repeat business. These pet parents could have gone elsewhere to get food, but chose not to. There were time when I would go to Walmart and get people to buy Blue Buffalo. I didn’t get paid to do it, but that is how passionate I WAS about what I did. It was the meaning behind what Blue stood for.
Could go on and on, but yes I received money in my account and hadn’t worked that weekend. Called my boss to tell him so now we know why!
General Mills made a big mistake. Blue Buffalo had a wonderful reputation thanks to these knowledgeable ambassadors. A small salary but they enjoyed their work helping others be better pet parents. I’m sorry GM acted this way. I hope they gave some sort of severance package. Ha.
@q3 You were an OUTSTANDING representative of BLUE! Certainly a callous way for General Mills to end this iconic program.
Sad day a week ago getting let go was w company for 13 1/2 yrs. I wasn't surprised general mills did this they had no clue what the pet detective did. Been thinking of all those affected by this lay offs. Sad the program ended on a sad note stores will miss the PDs and so will the customers we built relationships with
I was a pet detective for 11 1/2 years. I’m also a runner. Back in 2015 I ran 3 marathons in 2 months to raise money for Blue Buffalo and Pet Cancer Awareness. I ran both marathons and half marathons between 2105 and 2019 to raise money for Blue and Pet Cancer Awareness.
In 2019 I ran two 12 hr ultra marathons in November and December to raise money for pet cancer awareness. On several occasions I slept in my car the night before a marathon to save money on a motel. On all events I paid my own entry fee.
My main goal over the 11 1/2 years was to help people and their pets. It is my hope I made pet’s and pet parent’s lives better over the years.
It has always been about establishing positive relationships with pets, pet parents, and the store employees.
Over the years I sold a lot of Blue Buffalo products. On my last two shifts I felt really great about all my great pet parent interactions and sales. Sadly on June 2nd it all ended!
I know business is business, but the way
General Mills handled this feels like a slap in the face and a gut punch! I felt like being a pet detective was so much more than a part time job. It was a calling! It was a way to help and make a difference.
@n9
It makes them look like fools. They cannot afford to pay pet detectives slave wages but how much does their CEO rake in each month?
Real dummies to think this will work. My daughter just went to the Pet Store. Shelves are full on both cat and dog Blue Buffalo Isles. Everyone stocking their cart with Nulo, Nutro and Merrick. Pet store manager said they miss the pet detectives/brand ambassadors.
@j9 I totally agree. General Mills does not understand the pet food industry and how Blue became so successful. The human interaction was not just selling it was building relationships and trust with pet parents, teaching about ingredients, and keeping customers from leaving the product line during these economic times. It was the Blue Buffalo line that helped keep GM a float and now I expect the board will see a drop. Someone's head will be on the chopping block.
@j9 agreed. I was a PD for 17 years :) They were great back in the day!
I've worked as a PD for 10+ years and even met the Bishops. They were nice and seemed like humble pet loving people. Around that time frame was when Bill officially retired and sons were owners in name only. Luckily during 2020 they were generous about paid time off and reworked our positions into Merchandisers. Years later things were satus quo for awhile but it was a frog in a boiling pot scenario. Management would insinuate distaste in the changes. Telling me how higher ups in meetings would pretend to understand consumer trends and nutrition. For a brand that was so revolutionary they really rested solely on their reputation. General Mills has been the downfall of Blue. They love buying natural brands and expanding them into FDM markets. Not sure how well their strategies are working for them now. I know we will all be missed in our stores. Our legacy and impact will be missed. It is a true end of an era!
I just bought some food from Petsmart from the most knowledgeable, most compassionate Pet Detective ever a few weekends ago and am so depressed to learn of this news. She was always so upbeat, positivity radiated from her 70 year old soul.
I am taking my gently used bag back and when they ask me why I will tell them it is because of the way she was let go by this greedy, living high off the hog company. Mark my words not even one half of a Cheerio will be consumed by my household. Congratulations General Mills you just lost one more customer/consumer.
@h1 General Mills and Blue Buffalo are a piece of work!!! They lay off senior citizens from a part time job that helps pay for groceries and medical expenses with NO advanced warning!! General Mills is a heartless and selfish organization!
Unionize, protest in front of of pet food stores. Do not buy this cr-p brand of dog food anymore. Shady Dogs. Never buying anything made by General Mills or associated with them ever again.
I knew something was going to happen when I saw I got a deposit in my checking account from General Mills which said straight line pay. My pay normally comes in on a Thursday. Also with news that General Mills was going to restructure and layoffs were coming soon. My wife and I were suspicious that we might get canned. Then Monday the phone call came! So there was NO notice. Not a good way to treat people.
I suspect General Mills is going to focus on the new dog food and Tiki Cats. I suspect they are just going to let Blue Buffalo just exist. Blue Buffalo helped keep General Mills from going down the toilet a few years ago. The pet detectives were a big part of that support. So the thanks that the Pet Detectives get is you are no longer needed. Not a fan of General Mills any more!
it wasn't short notice it was NO notice.
In a meeting one day telling pet detectives how great they are and how the fiscal year closed with making the numbers. How it's so important have the face of Blue in stores and how important our feedback is to help drive sales and new products.
Fast forward 3 days later, you get a call saying the program is being ended today and as of this call you are no longer employed. They could have done better to employees. While the majority probably weren't with the company for super long, the bottom line is this program has existed for 22 years. The could have done better. Cutting costs is a priority now that they are Corporate.
They did keep a handful to help launch their latest petfood company purchased though.