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Pet overpopulation is a dramatic and growing problem in the U.S. Part of the solution to the overpopulation problem lies in having pets spayed or neutered and now with money raised in the PETCO Foundation's "Round UP" campaign, thousands of spay and neuter surgeries will be funded.

During the past three weeks customers in PETCO stores across the nation have been asked to "Round UP" their purchases to the next dollar, five dollars or whatever they wanted to contribute. This first nationwide "Round UP" campaign has raised more than $351,000 and is one of the most successful to date for the non-profit PETCO Foundation, which was established in February 1999 by PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. . This campaign brings the total amount raised through the Foundation to more than $2 million.

"We're thankful for the heartfelt support from PETCO customers," said Paul Jolly, the PETCO Foundation's Director. "With the help of our customers and the Foundation, we will fund more than 10,000 spay and neuter surgeries."

"Ten thousand spay and neuter surgeries translates into preventing the birth of over 62 million dogs and cats over a 6-year period. Remember that each animal altered means that their offspring (usually 4 to 6 puppies or kittens) will not grow up to have offspring of their own and continue the cycle that perpetuates pet overpopulation," Jolly added.

Money raised from "Round UP" will fund local spay and neuter programs that are developed by area humane organizations. These organizations were identified at each store collecting funds.

Spaying and neutering pets can help reduce the number of pets that are euthanized each year in the U.S. More than 9 million pets will be euthanized this year. That is up from 7 million just 3 years ago, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

PETCO is a leading pet specialty retailer with more than 500 stores in 40 states and the District of Columbia. To find the nearest store, log on to http://www.petco.com/.

The PETCO Foundation was established in February 1999 to develop and manage fundraising campaigns in PETCO stores and support a variety of animal welfare programs. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $2 million for more than 300 pet-related organizations across the nation. Proceeds from the campaigns go to local groups in communities in which the money was raised.

SOURCE: PETCO Foundation