news releases

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. and the PETCO Foundation have a long history of supporting animal welfare and adoptions, and they are now broadening that philosophy with the introduction of an all-inclusive "Think Adoption First" initiative in PETCO stores across the country. Specifically, with this effort, PETCO will recommend adoption before purchase of any animal.

PETCO will launch this new program with a National Adoption Days drive the weekend of August 28-29.

In conjunction with their online partner Petfinder.com, the nation's leading internet-based animal adoption organization, PETCO and the PETCO Foundation will encourage customers to consider adoption as the first option when thinking about adding a new companion animal to their homes. PETCO does not sell dogs or cats, and for almost 40 years has worked with shelters to find homes for millions of adoptable animals, but the stores do offer small animals, reptiles and birds. As part of the Think Adoption First effort, PETCO -- with the help of Petfinder.com's searchable database -- will reach out to shelters that offer these other animals for adoption, in an effort to help find families for all homeless animals as well as resources for customers interested in these diverse companion animal groups. Although PETCO will continue to offer companion animals in their stores, they will encourage customers to seek adoptable animals in the community as a first option, providing informational kiosks and in-store adoption opportunities to a larger variety of rescue groups.

"PETCO is committed to programs and efforts that enhance the human-animal bond, and this initiative is another example of the 'Animals Always Come First' philosophy that sets us apart as a leader in the tremendous community-based business we've built," PETCO Chief Executive Officer James Myers said. "Think Adoption First is the right thing to do, and we are absolutely committed to making this work, to the benefit of adoptable animals and our community animal welfare partners."

To help kick-off this new industry-leading initiative, PETCO stores across the country will participate in a National Pet Adoption Days campaign August 28-29. A similar event this past May helped more than 12,000 animals find homes nationwide. With this new effort, and the additional animal welfare partners it will bring on board, PETCO hopes to exceed that number.

"PETCO's historical commitment to adoption is evidenced by their long-term support of Petfinder.com's efforts in facilitating the adoption of over 1.5 million animals into loving families each year," said Petfinder.com President and Co-Founder Betsy Saul. "Think Adoption First will ensure that, for years to come, Petco will play a part in saving millions of companion animals' lives -- and Petfinder.com is proud to partner with such a company."

To locate the nearest PETCO, visit PETCO's website at www.petco.com. To find adoptable animals in your community, log on to www.petfinder.com.

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services, with a commitment to quality animal care and education, that 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 $17 million since inception in 1999. More than 2,000 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

Petfinder.com is the nation's largest and oldest online adoption community. Working with more than 7,100 animal welfare organizations across the country, Petfinder.com offers a searchable database of adoptable companion animals. Last year, Petfinder.com adoption partners found homes for more than 1.5 million animals.

SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.