$2.5 Million to Assist Homeless Pets in 2008

The 2007 Tree of Hope fundraiser, hosted by PETCO and the PETCO Foundation, generated more than $2.5 million from donations given by the company’s customers, vendors and associates.

San Diego (Vocus) January 4, 2008

The year begins on a high note for thousands of animal shelters nationwide that will receive donations from the 2007 Tree of Hope fundraiser, hosted by PETCO and the PETCO Foundation.

The 36-day campaign generated more than $2.5 million from donations given by the company’s customers, vendors and associates.

“Tree of Hope has not only helped sustain the lives of animals in need of care and compassion, but also helped nourish the spirit of hope that defines the PETCO Foundation. We are so thankful to everyone who contributed and hope that they all know that they helped to make this world a kinder, safer, and happier place to be for the wonderful animals so near to our hearts,” said PETCO Foundation Vice President Paul Jolly.

Each PETCO store selected local animal welfare groups, and collected donations on their behalf, so the money raised stays in the local community and region. Additionally, customers were able to donate online at PETCO.com and PETCO’s pet insurance partner, PetCare Pet Insurance Programs – offered and owned by Pethealth Inc. – contributed $5 for each PetCare pet insurance policy activated during the fundraiser.

Through donations, animal welfare groups are able to invest in making surrendered animals more adoptable. In addition to hosting several fundraisers throughout the year, PETCO’s commitment to animal welfare is highlighted through adoption events held in PETCO stores, special Adoption Gift Booklets with up to $150 in savings for adopting pet parents and Think Adoption First resource centers located in PETCO stores.

PETCO encourages customers to consider adoption before the purchase of any companion animal – even if it’s one of the birds, reptiles or small animals currently offered at PETCO.

To get the latest news on anything and everything PETCO – from updates about the company to incredible acts of animal kindness, visit the company’s blog at http://www.petconews.com].

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 850 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at http://www.petco.com]. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $37 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support more then 4,700 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 animals every year.

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