Pet overpopulation is a problem embodied by thousands of unwanted puppies and abandoned kittens awaiting uncertain futures in our nation's shelters. Part of the solution to this problem lies in having pets spayed or neutered to reduce the number of unwanted litters.
Each year PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
"Pet overpopulation is not just a concept, it has a face. In fact, it had 4 million faces last year. That's the number of animals euthanized in our country's shelters," said Paul Jolly, Vice President and Director of the PETCO Foundation. "Sadly, many of these kittens and puppies, who are born into a world where they are unwanted, are often discarded."
The upcoming Round Up/Spay Today 2006 campaign, which begins Sunday, July 23rd, encourages PETCO customers to "round-up" their purchases to the next highest dollar. All proceeds will benefit local spay/neuter focused animal welfare organizations that help prevent the births of unwanted puppies and kittens and save the lives of homeless animals in the communities that PETCO shares. Recipients are chosen by each of PETCO's more than 800 stores nationwide.
In addition, 10 percent of all funds raised will be donated to Spay USA to support their spay/neuter programs and hotline. Spay USA is a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter services. They have over 1,000 sterilization programs and clinics with over 7,000 veterinarians nationwide.
"To date, the PETCO Foundation has raised and donated nearly $4 million to spay/neuter organizations and efforts through Round Up/Spay Today fundraising," says Jolly. "Spaying and neutering dogs and cats not only prevents litters of unwanted puppies and kittens, but also provides many health benefits such as decreased risks of ovarian, mammary, and testicular cancers."
The 2006 Round Up/Spay Today fundraiser ends on August 13th. For more information on this year's campaign, the PETCO Foundation or to locate a store near you, visit www.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 800 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 $30 million since its inception in 1999. More than 3,700 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation receive Foundation support. Through the PETCO Foundation, PETCO endeavors to be a community leader in promoting the welfare of companion animals and celebrating the human-animal bond.
SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
CONTACT: Rachel McLennan of PETCO, +1-858-453-7845, ext. 2558,
Foundation, +1-626-287-0952
Web site: http://www.petco.com/
