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Customers, vendors and associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. once again demonstrated their compassion for animals by giving generously to the PETCO Foundation's annual "Spring a Pet" fundraiser. The event, which ran from March 7 to April 11, raised $1,510,239 for grass roots animal welfare organizations located in or near PETCO store communities, getting a leg up on their goal of $1.3 million.

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"Our customers, vendors and associates have once again shown tremendous compassion and a strong willingness to help animals in our store communities," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "They continue to put the well-being of animals above day-to-day concerns such as the economy and gas prices."

Last year's fundraiser collected just over $1.2 million. This year, more than 1,900 grass-roots animal welfare organizations will benefit from this money. Each store selected a charitable partner or partners -- such as pet adoption groups or spay/neuter efforts -- to receive funding raised by their individual location. Like other PETCO Foundation fundraisers, the money helps within the store communities in which it is raised. In addition, a portion of the money goes into regional funds to help animal welfare groups throughout the year. Donations were also made Online at www.petco.com.

"Animals across the country will lead better lives, and stand a better chance at finding permanent, loving homes as a result of these funds," Jolly added. "This year's PETCO Foundation Spring A Pet fundraiser exceeded last year's effort by more than 20%, clearly demonstrating the caring bond for companion animals within the PETCO family."

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food and supplies, 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 660 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 $16 million since inception in 1999. More than 1,900 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation. Through the PETCO Foundation, PETCO endeavors to be a community leader in promoting the welfare of companion animals, as well as the importance of the human-animal bond.

SOURCE: PETCO Foundation