PETCO Foundation Campaigns for Pets in Need: Partners with PEDIGREE for Annual Spring A Pet Fundraiser

San Diego (Vocus) March 27, 2008 -- Spring is a time of new beginnings and that?s why the PETCO Foundation (www.petco.com) is once again launching its annual Spring A Pet fundraiser to benefit animal welfare groups nationwide in hopes of a new beginning for the millions of companion animals they shelter.

Starting Sunday, March 30, PETCO stores nationwide will collect donations on behalf of local animal shelters and rescue groups. The annual campaign will last through May 4.

The PETCO Foundation has partnered with the makers of PEDIGREE dog food who will support the Spring A Pet campaign by donating $1 for each purchase of PEDIGREE products ? at PETCO stores or on PETCO.com ? of $10 or more.

?Each year millions of companion animals flood animal shelters across the country ? most of which have very limited resources and all of which have ever unlimited compassion for animals in need,? said Beth Mars, PETCO Foundation director of operations and development. ?This is why each spring the PETCO Foundation asks the generous and compassionate pet parents visiting PETCO stores nationwide to make a donation in support of these groups and the animals they shelter.?

Approximately five to seven million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year with approximately three to four million euthanized due to a lack of space or resources to adequately care for them, according to estimates by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Only one in 10 animals received by shelters has been spayed or neutered.

PETCO customers can make a difference by purchasing Spring A Pet donation cards for a $5, $10 or $20 donation at PETCO stores nationwide or by donating to the campaign online. Customers donating $20 or more will receive a commemorative photo album. Last year, the annual campaign raised nearly $1.7 million with all donations staying in local communities.

To learn more about the PETCO Foundation, visit www.petco.com. To get the latest news on anything and everything PETCO ? from updates about the company to incredible acts of animal kindness ? visit the company?s blog at www.petconews.com.

About PETCO and the PETCO Foundation

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 900 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.PETCO.com. Our nonprofit organization, the PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $41 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, we work with and support nearly 5,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

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