news releases

  Who:       Healthy companion animals that survived last Saturday's tragic
             fire will be available for adoption this Saturday.

  Interview/
  Photo Op:  These healthy animals will be available at four North County
             PETCO stores.  However, media interested in interviews or photo
             opportunities are asked to go to the Escondido PETCO at
             1100 West Valley Parkway at 10 a.m.  The store is located near
             I-15 and West Valley Parkway.  Call (760) 781-1600 for
             directions.

             Other locations where the healthy animals will be available for
             adoption include:

             Poway PETCO              Carmel Mountain Ranch PETCO
             13375 Poway Road         11160 Rancho Carmel Drive
             (858) 679-2020           (858) 451-8347

             Encinitas PETCO
             154 Encinitas Boulevard
             (760) 632-6600

  When:      Saturday, January 27, 2001, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  Why:       Getting the surviving animals back to good health has been a
             top priority since the disastrous fire.  Only those animals
             deemed healthy are being made available for adoption this
             weekend.  Others will be available as they become healthy
             during the next few weeks and the media will be advised when
             they are available.  These companion animals are special need
             animals and will require special care.  Those considering
             adopting them need to understand that these animals have been
             through a severe trauma and will most likely require special
             attention for some time to come.  The Escondido Humane Society
             will provide an adoption team at each of the PETCO stores and
             those teams will handle applications for the animals.  People
             who apply must have written permission from their landlord if
             they are not a homeowner.  If the adoption teams determine
             there is a match between an animal and a prospective family,
             the adopting family will be able to take the animal home that
             day.  PETCO will provide adoption booklets and a free groom for
             each new pet owner.  A "Home Again" microchip will also be
             provided.  The Escondido Humane Society adoption fee is $95.
             All animals are current on their vaccinations and have been or
             will be spayed or neutered as part of the fee.

  Media
  Note:      Please only come to the Escondido store for media and photo
             opportunities as that is the only store where designated
             spokespeople will be.

  Contact:   Lindsey Mesenbourg of Escondido Humane Society, Cell,
             619-987-4212; or Don Cowan, 858-657-2086, or cell,
             619-417-5244, or Paul Jolly, 626-287-0952, both of PETCO.

PRNewswire -- Jan. 26

SOURCE: PETCO; Escondido Humane Society