news releases

  WHAT:       It's that time of year when ghosts haunt, vampires bite, and
              furry, four-legged critters, dressed in their best
              "Howl-o-Ween" costumes come to PETCO stores across the nation.
              The leading pet specialty retailer's annual Howl-o-Ween Pet
              Costume contest, co-sponsored by IAMS and Greenies is this
              Saturday.  The best costumed pet and their parents in each
              neighborhood store will receive an eight pound bag of IAMS dry
              dog or cat food and a $15 PETCO gift card.  All participants
              will also receive a goody bag full of Halloween-themed treats
              from PETCO's treat bar.  Children of the human variety will
              also have a great time participating in a coloring contest.

  WHERE:      At PETCO stores nationwide (To find a PETCO near you, visit
              www.PETCO.com)

  WHEN:       Saturday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.

  WHY:        To celebrate the human-animal bond with the community and
              simply have fun

  VISUAL/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
            * A large gathering of costumed pets and pet parents celebrating
              Halloween

            * A busy, pet friendly store

  INTERVIEW POSSIBILITIES:
            * Contest Participants

            * Local judges

            * PETCO General Manager

  WHO:        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 $31 million since its inception in 1999.
              More than 4,000 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.

  Contacts:   Rachel McLennan, PETCO Communications, (858) 453-7845
              EXT. 2558, rachelmc@petco.com

PRNewswire -- Oct. 25

SOURCE: PETCO