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Companion animals are part of the family and this holiday season nearly 155 million pet parents are expected to spend about $2.6 billion on pet gifts.

Those numbers, from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, lead PETCO, a national pet food, supply and services specialty retailer, to predict that pet lovers will pamper their pets with fun, interactive toys, beautiful habitats, life-enhancing products, designer carriers, and personalized woven and canvas art. Gifts and other items are available at PETCO's more than 780 stores nationwide and online at www.petco.com. Online prices and selection generally match retail stores, but may vary.

PETCO's experts predict the following products will be the hottest selling items for furry, feathered, finned and scaly family members. These unique items are sure to satisfy picky pooches, finicky felines, happy hamsters, hungry wild birds, frolicking bettas and even young and not-so-young humans.

  1.  Pet Safe Wellness Bed.  The bed, which comes in various sizes to
      accommodate large and small dogs, offers comfortable, low-level heat
      and relaxing intermittent vibrating massage for pets of all ages.  The
      bed has four settings, including the off position.  Prices range from
      $99.99 to $124.99.  To download a photo of this item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-a

  2.  Snowflake Canopy Bed.  Small to medium-sized dogs and cats will surely
      enjoy this cozy and comfy bed as their private get-away.  The
      colorful, cabana-shaped home can be easily folded for convenient
      travel.  It includes a faux fur pad that will nestle your pet in
      luxurious comfort.  It is priced at $34.99.  To download a photo of
      this item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-b

  3.  Bird Call Feeder.  Attracting wild birds to the back yard is the job
      of this battery-operated feeder, which is equipped with recordings of
      North America's most popular birds.  Add the appropriate bird feed,
      select the setting for your region and watch the birds flock to you.
      It is priced at $34.99.  To download a photo of this item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-c

  4.  LeBistro Automatic Pet Feeder.  For the ultimate in convenience, this
      automatic dispenser serves pre-measured portions of your pet's
      favorite dry food.  You decide how much and when to serve.  Choose
      from 1/4 cup to 2 cups at three selected times a day.  The feeder
      holds up to 5 pounds, and is priced at $69.99.  To download a photo of
      this item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-d

  5.  Aqua Betta Aquarium Desk Lamp.  At home or the office, this suspended
      aquarium is perfect for desktops and can serve as a nightlight with
      its safe, low-voltage LED lighting.  It offers the enjoyment and
      tranquility of an aquarium in a tabletop setting.  The aquarium comes
      in a satin nickel or antique brass finish.  It is priced at $39.99.
      To download a photo of this item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-e

  6.  Ba-Da Beam Rotating Laser Cat Toy.  Cats will enjoy playing with this
      interactive toy.  The laser beam can be aimed at the floor or wall.
      To help batteries last longer, the Ba-Da Beam will automatically shut
      off after 15 minutes.  To turn it back on, close the lid and open it
      again.  It is priced at $19.99.  To download a photo of this item
      click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-f

  7.  Hamster Motorcycle.  This is a twist on the traditional hamster
      exercise ball.  Place your playful hamster in the translucent front
      wheel of the motorcycle and watch the action begin.  Kids will enjoy
      the hamster-powered activity that provides great exercise for their
      furry friend.  It is priced at $19.99.  To download a photo of this
      item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-g

  8.  Hermit Crab Painting Kit.  Painting a house has never been this much
      fun.  Pick your color, paint your design on the hermit crab shell and
      place it in your hermit crab's habitat.  When "Hermie" outgrows his
      current home, he will take up residence in your custom-designed,
      hand-painted work of art.  It is priced at $6.99.  To download a photo
      of this item click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-h

  9.  Canvas and Woven Art.  Transform your favorite pet photo into elegant
      canvas art, a woven tapestry throw or wall hanging.  Photo-to-canvas
      art is available in many sizes and frames.  Each throw blanket
      measures 50 inches by 60 inches and your selected image is woven into
      each piece -- not printed.  Wall hangings are fully lined on the back
      and include a rod pocket and hardware for hanging.  Prices on the
      canvas art start at $99.90 and the throw blankets are $124.95.  The
      tapestry wall covering is $149.95.  To download a photo of this item
      click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-i

  10. Assorted Small Dog Totes.  Take your pet with you in fashionable and
      functional shoulder bags.  Available in assorted styles, colors and
      sizes these bags meet the most discriminating of tastes.  Collar clip
      and padding ensures Fido's safety and comfort while you are out and
      about.  Prices start at $29.99.  To download a photo of this item,
      click here.
      http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051130/LAW033-j

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 780 neighborhood stores in 49 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 $25 million since inception in 1999. More than 3,000 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation.

SOURCE: PETCO