Nine million pets are expected to be euthanized in the U.S. this year. That is up from 7 million just 3 years ago, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Pet overpopulation is a significant and growing problem in the U.S. and is one reason the PETCO Foundation has developed a national campaign that will offer pet owners information and assistance about the spay and neuter alternative. It is called Spay Today 2001.
Funds to support the "Spay Today 2001" campaign will come from customer donations at PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. stores and a grant from the PETCO Foundation. From Sunday, July 29 through Sunday, August 19, customers at PETCO stores will be asked to "Round UP" their purchases to help local spay/neuter organizations. For example, a customer whose purchase is $18.56 will be asked to "round up" to $19.00 or perhaps $20.00. All proceeds from this campaign will go to fund local animal welfare organizations that provide spay/neuter assistance.
"Pet ownership is a responsibility," said Paul Jolly, Director of the PETCO Foundation. "Part of that responsibility involves owners ensuring that their companion animals don't add to the pet overpopulation problem. 'Round UP' and 'Spay Today 2001' is an easy way for our customers to support a local spay and neuter program and for pet owners to learn more about how necessary it is to spay or neuter their pets."
PETCO is a leading pet specialty retailer with more than 550 stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia. To find the nearest store, log on to http://www.petco.com/.
The PETCO Foundation was established in 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 $4.7 million for more than 700 pet-related organizations across the nation. Proceeds from the campaigns go to local groups in communities in which the money was raised.
SOURCE: PETCO
Contact: Don Cowan, +1-858-657-2086, or Paul Jolly, +1-626-287-0952,
both of PETCO
Website: http://www.petco.com/
