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PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. announces the grand opening of the new Gainesville, FL store, located at 6869 W. Newberry Road, Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27. A variety of pet-related contests, demonstrations and events will highlight this three-day celebration of the bond between animals and people.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030603/PETCOLOGO )

Do you think you've got the cutest picture of your pet? Bring it in for Friday's Best Photo Contest. If your dog is absolutely huge, or simply petite, bring them in Saturday or Sunday for the Biggest and Smallest Dog competitions. There will also be pet games, a Yappy Hour (with treats for people and pets) and information on PETCO services such as grooming and professional pet photography. In fact, during the Grand Opening Weekend, the PETCO Grooming Department will be offering a $10 bath special for your pets. There will also be entertainment for the kids as well, including a clown, hamster races and free refreshments. The little ones can also pick up a sheet to participate in a coloring contest.

In an effort to highlight animal welfare and support adoptions, a number of local humane agencies will be on hand to provide information and find loving homes for orphaned companion animals. The Coalition for No More Homeless Pets, Alachua Humane Society, Gainesville Pet Rescue and Alachua Animal Services will all be on hand to support this cause.

As part of PETCO's mission to encourage adoptions, stores offer Adoption Gift Booklets to new pet parents, with savings of up to $180 on store products and services to help welcome their new family member home.

"This is going to be a terrific weekend," says Store General Manager John Carraway. "There will be so much for pets and their families to do here we could barely fit it all in one weekend."

The 16,000 square foot store features a small animal and reptile area, fresh and saltwater fish aquariums, a bird area 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 Gainesville store, or for a complete listing of Grand Opening events, visit PETCO's website at www.petco.com .

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO's strategy is to offer its customers a complete assortment of pet-related products and services at competitive prices, with superior levels of customer service at convenient locations, by hiring pet lovers and training them to become counselors to our pet-loving customers. PETCO generated net sales of $1.48 billion in the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003. It operates more than 630 neighborhood stores in 43 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at www.petco.com . The PETCO Foundation, PETCO's non-profit organization, has raised more than $12 million since inception in 1999. More than 1,500 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.