The pet store chain that operates Pets Unlimited, Petculture and Oliver & Pets Co is closing 27 of its 39 stores across Canada.

"We are saddened to say that we are closing our doors after almost 50 years of serving the pet community across

Canada," said Brad Hamilton, vice president of PJ's Pets, in a news release.

The 27 stores that are closing include one in Newfoundland and Labrador, one store in Prince Edward Island, six in Nova Scotia, three in New Brunswick, 11 in Ontario, and five in British Columbia. A detailed list of locations can be found here.

A March 2016 report by Price Waterhouse Cooper says the company employs 427 people.

The stores that are closing are offering discounted prices on pet merchandise, including pet food, accessories and supplies.

'We've always gone here'

Allan Tracey drives from Upper Musquodoboit to Dartmouth — an hour long drive — to get to Pets Unlimited. (Steve Berry/CBC)

Allan Tracey was stocking up on food for his dog Scooby at the Pets Unlimited in Dartmouth, N.S., Saturday afternoon.

"They've been open for years and years, we've always gone here," he said.

He's now on a hunt for another pet store that sells the brand of food Scooby eats.

The PWC report said the pet store chain has accumulated losses totalling $16.5 million since 2013.

The report also says the company partly blames a loss of business on a decision to stop selling puppies in 2011.

However some stores may not be disappearing altogether. The Sydney, N.S., Pets Unlimited has posted on its Facebook page that it will be open under new ownership as of May 2.