news releases

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. and the PETCO Foundation continue to offer assistance to people with pets in the southern California fire zones through local animal welfare organizations who have come to the aid of all animals -- from horses to goats to dogs and cats -- in these affected areas. Between now and November 9, all of the more than 650 PETCO stores across the nation will be asking their customers to round up purchases, with all proceeds going to help animals and their people who have been impacted by this tragedy. The campaign, which began Monday, has already raised more than $25,000.

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

"These humane groups really came forward to provide assistance to these distressed and displaced animals, often at their own peril," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "This unexpected catastrophe has stretched their resources beyond their limits, and we hope this campaign will help these essential groups with much-needed funds."

San Diego County -- PETCO's hometown, Ventura County, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County have all been severely affected by these fires. Hundreds of homes have burned, in some cases so quickly people did not have time to pack personal belongings, and those homeowners and their pets are now in need of assistance. PETCO is partnering with San Diego County Animal Services, Inland Valley Humane Society, Los Angeles City Animal Services, Los Angeles County Animal Service, Ventura County Animal Services and local animal welfare organizations to coordinate distributing food and supplies to areas where the need is greatest. PETCO store associates have helped individual customers in need, and PETCO immediately dispatched two tractor-trailers full of food and supplies to evacuation shelters in San Diego, and provided supplies to a number of animal welfare agencies.

To date, it is estimated that more than 2,000 homes were destroyed during these fire events, which continue to rage in southern California.

"PETCO has been a tremendous help already, providing supplies at our evacuation centers for thousands of families with pets displaced by the fires," said Animal Services Director Mikel Haas. "The PETCO Foundation has really supported the animal welfare groups that have provided such important assistance in moving these animals to safety."

Donations to the PETCO Foundation will also be accepted on PETCO's website, at www.petco.com . PETCO and the PETCO Foundation have held a number of round up campaigns, raising millions of dollars for animal welfare causes, including an emergency fund drive following the September 11 attacks.

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 operates more than 650 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.