Give Purebred And Other Pets Forever Homes at Petco's National Adoption Weekend

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For those wanting to add a new pet to the family, who prefer a specific breed type, why not consider adopting? A common misconception is that all purebreds come with a high price tag, but according to statistics compiled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 25 percent of dogs that enter shelters are purebred. During Petco's National Adoption Weekend events taking place across the country September 7-8, 2013, guests will have the opportunity to meet a variety of pets in need, including purebred dogs and cats. In addition, potential pet parents can learn how to care for a new pet's physical, mental, social and emotional needs. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130423/MM99615)

From German Shepherds to Pugs, almost every breed has a rescue group that works diligently to find new homes for displaced pets. Purebred pets in shelters tend to range from adolescents to seniors, many of which are already trained and are comfortable around people.

Here is a list of some of the most common breeds found in shelters and some fun facts on why they make such great companions:

• Whether short or long hair, Chihuahuas come in over 30 different colors and varieties, and their heritage dates back to the ancient Mayans. Perfect for the person on the go, they make great travel companions and city dwellers since they don't require much exercise.
• American Pit Bull Terriers score an 83.4 percent passing rate with the American Temperament Test Society. That's better than the popular Border Collie! Pit Bulls are commonly used as therapy dogs due to their gentle temperament. Whether they are visiting a senior care facility or helping someone recover from an emotional accident, Pit Bulls have made a mark as outstanding therapy dogs.
• The Labrador Retriever is America's favorite breed according to American Kennel Club and has earned this top spot for the past 21 years. This breed is tremendously versatile and can be seen strutting its stuff in the show ring, leading the blind, searching through rubble for disaster survivors, sniffing out bombs or fire accelerants, retrieving fowl and playing with the kids. Their loyalty and affable dependability keep them high on the list of desirable family dogs. 
• German Shepherds, known for their intelligence and loyalty, were among the first canine breeds to be trained for police work - beginning around 1900 in Ghent, Belgium. President John F. Kennedy even had a German Shepherd, named "Clipper."
• Golden Retrievers not only make great family pets, but also have an instinctive partiality to being in water. This makes bath time for a golden retriever easier than most dogs!

Petco often partners with breed specific adoption groups, so it's recommended to contact your nearest location for more details.

National Adoption Weekend events will take place at all Petco and Unleashed by Petco locations nationwide. To help take care of pets' physical needs, Hill's Science Diet® will be giving all adopting pet parents a free small bag of Hill's Science Diet® dog or cat food and a free can of Hill's Science Diet® dog or cat food. Pet adoption times may vary, so contact the nearest location for adoption hours.

If your family is not ready to welcome a new pet into your home, you can still make a difference in the life of an adoptable pet by donating to the Petco Foundation's Breeds In Need fundraiser taking place August 24^th through September 8^th.  Donations can be made at your local Petco, Unleashed by Petco, POOCH Hotel or online at Petco.com/foundation.

For more information on adoption events in your area, visit www.petco.com/adoptions.

About Petco

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $110 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

Contact:
Allie Maltese
619-501-2756
[email protected]

SOURCE Petco