news releases

More than 14,000 animals are now spending their time with new families instead of in shelters, thanks to PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. and the PETCO Foundation's National Pet Adoption Days held earlier this month. Through in-store adoptions and PETCO's ongoing partnership with online adoption agency Petfinder.com, thousands of shelters across the country participated in this event.

For the eighth year, PETCO and its Foundation made a concerted effort to place as many orphaned animals as possible in loving homes, as well as to raise awareness for the many adoptable animals available in their 740+ store communities. As a result of this effort, 14,480 animals found new families through the adoption drive. Dogs and cats made up the majority of animals adopted, but thanks to PETCO's "Think Adoption First" initiative, hundreds of birds, reptiles and small mammals also found homes.

Last August, PETCO launched its "Think Adoption First" program, which reaches out to shelters that offer small animals, reptiles, and birds 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. As part of the program, PETCO encourages 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 organizations.

"This was a great time for animals, because of our compassionate customers and adoption partners," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "This tremendous turnout, thanks in large part to the publicity help we received from our friends in the media, demonstrates a raised awareness about the number and diversity of wonderful pets that are sitting in shelters waiting to find their forever homes."

"More and more people are realizing adoption is the best option when looking for a new furry or feathery family member," said Petfinder.com President Betsy Saul. "We hope events such as this will help people understand that there are opportunities to adopt new companions every day of the year."

The American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that there are eight to 12 million pets relinquished to shelters and rescue groups each year. PETCO, the PETCO Foundation and Petfinder.com offer a second chance for those orphaned companion animals.

People interested in adopting a companion animal can visit their neighborhood PETCO store for information on upcoming in-store adoption events, varieties of animals available for adoption in their community or contact information to their local animal shelter or placement group. To find a store near you, log on to www.petco.com. Or, to locate adoptable animals in your area, check out www.petfinder.com. PETCO offers their Adoption Gift Booklets year-round, free of charge to anyone who has adopted a pet from a shelter, that offer savings on services and supplies needed to make your new family member happy and healthy.

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food and supplies, with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO operates more than 740 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 $23 million since inception in 1999. More than 2,700 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.

Petfinder.com is the nation's largest and oldest online adoption community. Working with more than 8500 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