news releases

PETCO is planning a fun and informative weekend to celebrate the grand opening of the new Gilbert store located at 1415 East Warner Road, on Saturday and Sunday, February 24 and 25.

Highlighting the weekend's special events will be visits by two animal rescue organizations, Cats Meow and Dog Rescue. Responsible pet owners will be able to adopt abandoned animals. PETCO will also address the leading cause of pet abandonment by inviting Animal Behavior & Training Associates to offer two pet behavior problem-solving clinics, one Saturday and again Sunday. There will also be a seminar on the proper set-up for a salt-water aquarium. Many fun-filled activities are planned for families (including the four-legged members).

Pet owners and pets can compete in the Best Pet Tricks Contest and the winners of each category (dog and cat) will go home with a free year's supply of pet food. Activities for children include a petting zoo and a face-painting clown. Roaming the grounds will be the PETCO Logo animals Blue Mews and Red Ruff. A food booth benefiting Homeless Animals will be cooking up hotdogs and barbecue and you can eat while listening to music supplied by KNIX who will be broadcasting live with Gwen Foster.

According to Store Manager, Charles Goss, the purpose behind the grand opening celebration is, "We hope that visitors to the store learn something about the responsibility involved with owning a pet." Adding, "The well-being of animals is always a top priority at PETCO." The 13,221-square-foot-store features a small animal and reptile area, fresh and saltwater fish aquariums, a bird room and a grooming salon.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

To find the Gilbert store, or any other PETCO location, visit PETCO's website at http://www.petco.com/. PETCO, founded in 1965, operates over 532-specialty pet food and supply stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

  Grand Opening Events: Days and Times

  Activities                      Saturday, 2/24          Sunday, 2/25
  Cats Meow                    9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.     9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  Dog Rescue                   9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.     9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  Petting Zoo                  9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.     9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  Food Stand                  11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.    11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  Face-painting Clown          9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.     9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  Salt-water tank seminar      3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
  Pet Photographer            10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.    10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  Obedience Training          11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.          Noon-3:00 p.m.
  Best Pet Tricks Contest      4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
  KNIX Radio with Gwen Foster      10:00 a.m.-Noon
  Red Ruff and Blue Mews                   All Day                 All Day
  $100 gift certificate raffle
   (to be announced at a later date)       All Day                 All Day

SOURCE: PETCO