Blue Buffalo and Petco Foundation Partner for Sixth Annual Pet Cancer Awareness Month

WILTON, Conn., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Buffalo® and the Petco Foundation will partner in May for the companies' sixth Annual Pet Cancer Awareness Month. The continuing collaboration will raise money in support of pet cancer research and the families affected by this disease.

Cancer will affect one out of every four dogs in the U.S., accounting for nearly 50 percent of all disease-related pet deaths each year. In fact, cancer is the number one disease-related cause of death in both dogs and cats, according to Morris Animal Foundation, a world leader in advancing veterinary research.

"We are thrilled to once again collaborate with Petco to benefit pet cancer research and help the families affected by this terrible disease," said David Petrie, President, Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. "Aside from raising money, this month we urge pet parents to educate themselves about the causes of pet cancer and warning signs to look out for."

Despite the unfortunate reach of the disease, around 80 percent of pet parents know little to nothing about pet cancer symptoms. In addition to raising donations to aid pet cancer research, the Blue Buffalo and Petco Pet Cancer Awareness Month initiative aims to increase pet parents' knowledge on preventative care and recognition of the 10 pet cancer warning signs.

"Early detection of pet cancer is key to ensure our pets are with us for as long as possible," said Dr. Gerald Post, renowned veterinarian oncologist. "Aside from knowing the warning signs, there are simple steps that pet parents can take to reduce the risks of cancer. Pet toxins can be present in everyday household products, so take a few extra minutes to read the labels, understanding what you may be exposing your pet to."

How You Can Help
During Pet Cancer Awareness Month, May 9 - 31, 2015, pet lovers can help Blue Buffalo and the Petco Foundation spread pet cancer awareness and take steps to find a cure. During that time, for each bag of Blue Buffalo dog or cat food purchased at any Petco or Unleashed by Petco store, one dollar will be donated to organizations that support pet cancer research. Donations can also be made in any amount at a Petco store register, or by donating online at petcancerawareness.org or petco.com/PCA.

Funds will be distributed to universities and clinics across the country that are conducting research on the causes, prevention and treatment of canine and feline cancer, as well as to various organizations that are dedicated to helping families in need cover the cost of cancer treatments. 

Last year, Blue Buffalo and Petco raised more than $2.4 million in the month of May, reaching the highest figure of the fundraising push. This year, the companies aim to once again reach the $2 million donation mark. To date, the partnership has raised more than $7 million since its inception in 2010.

For more information, visit petcancerawarness.org.  To find a Petco store near you, visit petco.com.

About The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research
The Blue Buffalo Foundation For Cancer Research was established in 2003 by The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. a manufacturer of healthy and holistic dog and cat foods under the BLUE™ brand names. Finding a cure for pet cancer is one of the top priorities for The Blue Buffalo Company because its founders have had very personal experience with this disease. "Our dog Blue, a large breed Airedale and a great pal, had three bouts with cancer," said Bill Bishop, Blue Buffalo's founder. "After Blue's battles, we wanted to do something meaningful to help find a cure for this devastating disease. So one of the first things we did after starting our pet food company was to establish the Foundation to raise money for pet cancer research, and raise awareness among pet parents of the early warning signs of this disease." www.PetCancerAwareness.org

About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, located in Wilton, CT, is the nation's leading natural pet food company, and provides natural dog food, natural cat food and treats under its BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics and BLUE Freedom lines. Paying tribute to its founding mission, the company, through the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research, is also a leading sponsor of pet cancer awareness and of critical studies of pet cancer, health, treatment and nutrition at top veterinary medical schools across the United States. For more information about Blue Buffalo, visit the company's website at www.BlueBuffalo.com.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing the powerful relationship between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; nine Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and Petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 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 400,000 animals every year. Petco.com/foundation

Contact:
Kate Northway
(212) 601-8241
[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Buffalo

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