'Tree of Hope' Fundraiser Will Aid Local Animal Welfare Organizations

'Tree of Hope' Fundraiser Will Aid Local Animal Welfare Organizations
Last Year's Drive Raised Close to $1.8 Million Nationwide For Pet-Related Causes



SAN DIEGO, Nov. 13  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The coming season is traditionally
associated with the spirit of giving.  Last year, customers, vendors and
associates of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. showed their generous nature by
donating close to $1.8 million to animal welfare organizations through the PETCO
Foundation's "Tree of Hope" campaign.  The Foundation hopes that this year's
fundraiser, which runs from November 16 through December 24, will exceed the $2
million mark.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030603/PETCOLOGO )

"This time of year, more than any other, we tend to think of those in need, and
animals should be no exception," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. 
"Fortunately, our customers, vendors and associates are animal lovers, and we
hope they will support this effort to provide comfort and support for our
four-legged friends."

Tree of Hope will encourage pet lovers to donate $1, $5, $10 or $20, and each
donor will receive a cardstock ornament that can be signed and displayed in the
store or taken home as a reminder of their donation.  Anyone who makes a
donation of $20 or more will receive a special PETCO Foundation blinking crystal
keepsake ornament.  Donations can also be made online at http://www.petco.com/
.

Each PETCO store will select an animal welfare organization to be the recipient
of money raised at their location.  A portion of the funds will also go into a
regional pool, to be used by other animal welfare groups throughout the year. 
The money is used for adoption programs, spay/neuter campaigns and other animal
health related causes.  Past funding has helped provide veterinary care for
homeless and abused animals, outreach programs for handicapped and disadvantaged
individuals to help them adequately care for their companion animals, and even
assisted in the construction of a medical annex treatment ward for the SPCA of
Texas in Dallas.

"Time and time again, our customers, vendors and associates have demonstrated
their compassion for animals, as well as support for the many animal welfare
organizations across the country that truly help animals every day," Jolly said.
 "This campaign has aided many, many animals in the past, and, with continued
support, will help many more in the future."

To find a PETCO store near you, log on to http://www.petco.com/ .

PETCO (NASDAQ:PETC) 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 650
neighborhood stores in 43 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a
leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at http://www.petco.com/ .
 The PETCO Foundation, PETCO's non-profit organization, has raised more than $13
million since inception in 1999.  More than 1,600 non-profit grassroots animal
welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the
Foundation. 

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030603/PETCOLOGO

http://photoarchive.ap.org/

DATASOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.



CONTACT:  Shawn Underwood of PETCO, [phone],  ,

Paul Jolly of PETCO Foundation, [phone],  



Web site:  http://www.petco.com/ 

Copyright