Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research and Petco Foundation Raise $2.3 million for Pet Cancer Research

WILTON, Conn., June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research and the Petco Foundation raised $2.3 million during the month of May for the companies' sixth Annual Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Each May, pet parents are invited to donate to the cause in Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores, and all proceeds from the drive benefit pet cancer research and families affected by pet cancer. Since the inception of this partnership effort in 2010, it has raised more than $9 million dollars in donations.           

"For the sixth year in a row, we are overwhelmed by the response from pet parents across the country who are eager to find a cure for pet cancer," said Bill Bishop, founder of Blue Buffalo. "It's an issue that hits very close to home for our family. Our dog, Blue, battled pet cancer several times throughout his life. With the money raised this year, our hope is that someday families will have the tools needed to face and defeat this terrible disease."

Some of the funds raised are also distributed to various universities, clinics and organizations across the country that are focused on pet cancer research, education and prevention. Funds raised last year benefitted several organizations including: The Osteosarcoma Program, a program focused on exploring treatment for the most common bone tumor in dogs; Emma's Foundation for Canine Cancer, which provides financial assistance to families that have pets undergoing cancer treatment; and The Perseus Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating pet parents and promoting pet cancer research. 

"We'd like to thank our grant recipients this year for their accomplishments in the area of pet cancer research and treatment support," said David Petrie, president of the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. "Through our grant program, we are proud to contribute to the future successes of our grant recipients to better the lives of pets and pet parents everywhere."

In addition to raising crucial funds for research and pet cancer treatments, Pet Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and to educate pet parents on what may be harmful to their pets, help them understand the warning signs, and increase their knowledge of preventative care. Knowing the warning signs can lead to early detection--key to successful treatment.

While May is over, donations are accepted by the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research year-round. To support the cause and learn the warning signs of pet cancer, visit petcancerawareness.org.

About the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research
The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research was established in 2003 by 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 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." PetCancerAwareness.org 

About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Company, located in Wilton, CT, is the nation's leading natural pet food company, and provides a complete line of healthy and holistic natural foods and treats for dogs and cats. Blue Buffalo products are sold nationwide in Petco. For more information visit 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

Kate Northway
212-601-8241
[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Buffalo

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