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Customers, vendors and associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. demonstrated their concern for pet overpopulation in no uncertain terms this past month, as they contributed a total of $635,929 to the PETCO Foundation's Round-UP/Spay Today 2003 campaign. This year, along with the local contributions, more than $63,000 will be donated to the national SpayUSA, the largest spay/neuter advocacy and referral program in the world.

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During Round-Up/Spay Today 2003, which ran from July 27 through August 17, PETCO customers were encouraged to "round-up" their purchases to the next highest dollar. The PETCO Foundation had hoped to raise $500,000 for spay/neuter efforts across the country, but it became clear early that this goal would be exceeded as customers gave generously to the cause. The money raised will go to support local spay/neuter organizations, programs and efforts by animal welfare groups to help solve the problem of pet overpopulation. Each of PETCO's 635 stores selected a charitable partner for this fundraiser, who will be the recipient of the individual store's fundraising efforts.

"We are just overwhelmed with the care and concern expressed by our customers, vendors and associates through their generosity," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "These funds will make a significant difference in the lives of companion animals across America, as spay and neuter programs receive much-needed resources to complete this necessary work."

Spaying and neutering dogs and cats not only prevents litters of unwanted puppies and kittens, but also provides many health benefits such as decreased risks of ovarian, mammary and testicular cancers.

Last year's effort raised more than $450,000 for these local animal welfare organizations and programs. But this issue is ongoing. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 6-8 million animals are relinquished to shelters each year. The most heartbreaking result of this statistic is that as many as half of these dogs and cats are destroyed, because there are not enough homes for them. This year's fundraiser could lead to the spaying or neutering of as many as 12,700 animals, which could lessen the potential overpopulation by as many as 100,000 dogs and cats in one year, Jolly said.

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services, with a commitment to quality animal care and education, that operates more than 635 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 $13 million since inception in 1999. More than 1,600 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.