news releases

Demonstrating compassion for animals in their communities, customers, vendors, and associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., generously donated a total of $817,080 to help break the cycle of pet overpopulation during PETCO Foundation's annual Round-Up/Spay Today fundraiser. Proceeds from the 2004 campaign will benefit SPAY/USA, the largest spay/neuter advocacy and referral program in the world, and more than 500 animal welfare organizations that support spay/neuter programs nationwide.

Round-Up/Spay Today 2004, which ran from July 25 through August 15, encouraged customers to "round up" their purchases to the next highest dollar to promote local and national spay/neuter efforts. Each of PETCO's 685 locations selected a local animal welfare group to receive their individual store's Round-Up efforts, and 10% of all funds, or $81,708, will be donated to SPAY/USA for the third year in a row.

Not only did the kindheartedness of Round-Up/SPAY Today contributors shatter this year's goal of $700,000 by more than $100,000, but it also increased the results 30.6% over last year's total of $625,859.

"The fact that our customers, vendors, and associates continue to exceed our fundraising goals is truly awe-inspiring," says Paul Jolly, Director of the PETCO Foundation. "Thanks to their compassion and generosity, many more animals will lead longer and healthier lives, and fewer companions will end up in shelters."

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 680 neighborhood stores in 45 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 $18 million since inception in 1999. More than 2,100 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