Banfield Charitable Trust® and Royal Canin® Launch Holiday Pet Food Drive

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Banfield Charitable Trust^® and Royal Canin^® invite pet owners and advocates across the country to participate in and support the 9th annual holiday pet food drive. The program, launched Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 24, features 12 days of promotions that will raise awareness about pet hunger, collect pet food and raise funds to benefit senior citizen pet owners needing support in the care of their companions.

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Through the 12 Days of Joy Pet Food Drive, Royal Canin encourages consumers to drive donations by sharing snapshots of the joy their pets bring to everyday life. The donations will benefit seniors who need the support to keep their companions, but struggle with mobility and costs. Together with Banfield Charitable Trust, Royal Canin will encourage fans to post photos of their pets that bring delight to their lives, and in return, will donate food to those in need.

How to Participate:

• Make a monetary donation: Make a monetary donation at www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org or at Banfield Pet Hospitals to fund grants for local Meals On Wheels pet food programs. For donations of $10 or more, KONG^® will donate a toy to the pet of a Meals On Wheels client.
• Donate bags and cans of dog and cat food at one of Banfield Pet Hospital's 870+ locations across the U.S. To find the closest Banfield, use the hospital locator at www.Banfield.com.
• Submit a pet photo on Royal Canin's Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages. A photo submission will account for 20 pounds of food donated.
• By submitting pet pictures, users are also entered to win a daily prize from Royal Canin. During the month of December, additional information (and new ways to win) will be provided on Royal Canin's social networks.

The Special Bond Between Seniors and Their Pets

The bond between Florida senior Sandy and her dogs, Chico and Oliver, is a source of comfort and joy. Sandy rescued Chico, who came to her malnourished and in poor health. They keep her moving, get her outside in the fresh air and sunshine and provide much love and companionship.

"From sharing human meals to going without needed medications, seniors will do whatever it takes to keep their pets with them," said Dianne McGill, executive director and CEO of Banfield Charitable Trust.  "Pet food donations are literally a lifeline for seniors."

Royal Canin has committed to making a 60,000-pound pet food donation, and with the help of those who participate in the "no empty bowls" cause, it will donate an additional 20,000 pounds. All pet food donations and 100 percent of all monetary donations will benefit Meals On Wheels pet food distribution programs across the U.S. After a successful first year, KONG is once again joining the effort by donating KONG Classic toys. KONG toys are widely recommended not only for keeping indoor dogs occupied, but also offering mental and physical stimulation.

"The pet food drive is not only promoting the well-being of cats and dogs, but it's helping their owners," said Dr. Brent Mayabb, Corporate Affairs Director for Royal Canin USA. "We're excited to partner with both Banfield Charitable Trust and Royal Canin's communities to raise awareness and make a difference through a significant Meal On Wheels donation."

In 2013, Banfield Charitable Trust helped more than 20,000 senior pet families feed their pets—double the families served in 2012. It is the only national pet food program in the country devoted to helping senior citizen pet owners and the need for assistance continues to rise. "Just like the seniors that Meals On Wheels supports, it's critical that pets receive proper nutrition," said Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Banfield Pet Hospital. "As part of our focus on making a better world for pets, we are proud to support this important pet food drive to ensure the pets of homebound seniors receive the food they need to live long and healthy lives."

The program runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 24, 2014. To learn more, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org or facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us. 

About the Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust is the largest nonprofit solely devoted to preventing the separation of pets from their people. Banfield Charitable Trust programs provide financial assistance for veterinary care and pet care programs such as pet food grants, temporary foster care, and behavioral training assistance to struggling pet owners. Learn more at banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About Banfield Pet Hospital^®

Founded in Portland, Ore. in 1955, Banfield is the largest general veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today it is more than 880 hospitals strong in neighborhoods across the United States and Puerto Rico. More than 2,900 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for pets and extended operating hours. Banfield Pet Hospital provides preventive care for millions of pets each year through Optimum Wellness Plans^®. For journalists seeking more information, visit banfield.com or contact the Media Hotline at 888-355-0595.

About Royal Canin USA

Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. To learn more about Royal Canin, visit www.royalcanin.us and "LIKE" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcanin.us.

About KONG Company

KONG Company is the premier global provider of interactive toys and other products for dogs and cats. The company's namesake Classic KONG is widely regarded as the "World's Best Dog Toy" and is recommended by vets, trainers and behaviorists more than any other toy. With a persistent commitment to innovation, the company continues to regularly introduce unique, high-quality dog and cat products. KONG also makes it a top priority to give back to the pet community. KONG was founded in 1976 and is based in Golden, Colorado. For more information, visit KONGcompany.com or facebook.com/KONGCompany.

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SOURCE Royal Canin USA

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