International pet specialty group Petland is expanding its franchise borders into Central and South America, with stores opening in Brazil in early 2014. A master franchise agreement has also been signed for stores to open in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras, according to the company.

"We are pleased with the opportunity to expand our international family," said Petland President and CEO Joe Watson. "Petland stores in Brazil and in Central America will make a positive, consistent impact on overall pet retail and will provide a unique, convenient pet shopping experience for families looking for a new pet or buying supplies for their current pets."

Petland Inc. is a franchise operation with full-service retail pet centers across the US, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa.