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The coming season is traditionally associated with the spirit of giving. Last year, customers, vendors and associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. showed their generous nature by donating close to $1.8 million to animal welfare organizations through the PETCO Foundation's "Tree of Hope" campaign. The Foundation hopes that this year's fundraiser, which runs from November 16 through December 24, will exceed the $2 million mark.

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

"This time of year, more than any other, we tend to think of those in need, and animals should be no exception," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "Fortunately, our customers, vendors and associates are animal lovers, and we hope they will support this effort to provide comfort and support for our four-legged friends."

Tree of Hope will encourage pet lovers to donate $1, $5, $10 or $20, and each donor will receive a cardstock ornament that can be signed and displayed in the store or taken home as a reminder of their donation. Anyone who makes a donation of $20 or more will receive a special PETCO Foundation blinking crystal keepsake ornament. Donations can also be made online at www.petco.com .

Each PETCO store will select an animal welfare organization to be the recipient of money raised at their location. A portion of the funds will also go into a regional pool, to be used by other animal welfare groups throughout the year. The money is used for adoption programs, spay/neuter campaigns and other animal health related causes. Past funding has helped provide veterinary care for homeless and abused animals, outreach programs for handicapped and disadvantaged individuals to help them adequately care for their companion animals, and even assisted in the construction of a medical annex treatment ward for the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.

"Time and time again, our customers, vendors and associates have demonstrated their compassion for animals, as well as support for the many animal welfare organizations across the country that truly help animals every day," Jolly said. "This campaign has aided many, many animals in the past, and, with continued support, will help many more in the future."

To find a PETCO store near you, log on to 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 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.