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The days will be merry and bright for needy animals across the country, thanks to the compassion of customers, vendors, and associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. , who gave generously to the PETCO Foundation's 2004 "Tree of Hope" in-store fundraiser. This year's campaign raised $2,467,307 for grassroots animal welfare organizations nationwide.

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The fundraiser, which ran from November 21 to December 24, encouraged pet lovers to donate $1, $5, $10, or $20 to animal welfare causes. Each donor received a cardstock ornament to be signed and displayed in the store or taken home as a reminder of their generosity.

"Thanks to the kindness of pet lovers across the country, animals in need will now enjoy a much happier new year," said Paul Jolly, Director of the PETCO Foundation. "By supporting grassroots animal welfare programs nationwide, Tree of Hope donors have undoubtedly given these animals a reason to celebrate."

This year's giving increased 20.3% over last year's campaign, which collected a total of $2,050,775. Each PETCO store selected an animal welfare organization to be the recipient of money raised at their location, and a portion of the funds will go into a regional pool to be used by other animal welfare groups throughout the year. Past funding has helped provide veterinary care for homeless and abused animals and outreach programs to help handicapped and disadvantaged individuals adequately care for their companion animals. Tree of Hope support has also created a veterinary subsidy fund for public assistance canines in need of medical help through the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

To find a PETCO store near you, please visit www.PETCO.com. To learn more about the PETCO Foundation, contact Paul Jolly at (626) 287-0952 or paulj@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 720 neighborhood stores in 47 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 $21 million since inception in 1999. More than 2,500 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 Animal Supplies, Inc.