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Customers, vendors and associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. have responded tremendously to the needs of animals in southern California affected by the recent wildfires, donating almost $200,000 to the PETCO Foundation's emergency roundup fundraiser. In addition, Science Diet, Nutro and Petmate donated more than $30,000 in food and supplies to PETCO's relief effort.

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"People all over the country have once again rallied to the aid of animals," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "The fact that our customers, vendors and associates have donated more than $220,000 in food, products and funds in less than two weeks is really a testament to the care and compassion we all share for animals in need."

The Round-Up fundraiser, which ran from October 27 through November 9, brought in $193,078.94. Additionally, Science Diet donated $14,000 in product, Nutro $13,000 and Petmate $3,450.

PETCO customers in southern California turned to their local stores for help with products for their animals, as many fled without even a change of clothes for themselves. In some cases, those customers could not take their pets to human shelters and PETCO stores became animal sanctuaries. Despite the fact that many PETCO associates in those stores also had homes in danger, they stayed at work to ensure evacuees could get the needed food and supplies for their two and four-legged family members.

"The outpouring of support shown by our store associates truly demonstrates that we are hiring animal lovers," Jolly added. "Their first thoughts were always for the animals, and our customers have shown their appreciation for that caring through their generous donations."

Funds raised will go to various southern California animal welfare groups that assisted people and their pets during this tragedy.

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.