Pet Valu & Pet Supermarket's Longtime Partnership With Patriotic Nonprofits Leads To Official Pet Valu Service Dog Team And Record-Breaking $892,689 Donation

PHILADELPHIA and FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A longtime partnership between Pet Valu, its sister brand Pet Supermarket, and two nonprofit organizations — United States War Dogs Association, Inc. and America's VetDogs^® — has led to honoring service and guide canines with the launch of a third official Pet Valu Service Dog Team through America's VetDogs and an $892,689 donation to the United States War Dogs Association.

During its annual company conference in Orlando, Florida, Pet Supermarket and Pet Valu presented a joint check of $892,689 to Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association, Inc. in support of active-duty military dogs and their handlers, as well as retiring military and police canines.

In addition, following Pet Valu's $186,000 donation to America's VetDogs in March of 2018, the nonprofit announced Pet Valu's sponsorship of a third veteran and guide dog team.

"The work these organizations are doing for our veterans and service canines is honorable and important to Pet Valu," said Joe Dent, chief store operations officer for Pet Valu. "We've made it our mission each year to raise enough money to provide these dogs with equipment they need; fund transportation back to the U.S. after service; memorialize fallen canine soldiers; and find forever homes for the veteran dogs after service.  It's an honor to support heroes at both ends of the leash, and we're proud to have such a generous customer base that supports this important mission."

Together, Pet Valu and Pet Supermarket have raised more than $600,000 for America's VetDogs since 2014, and over $2 million for the United States War Dogs Association, Inc. since 2010.

About Pet Valu
Pet Valu is a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories. Their pet-friendly stores offer over 7,000 products including holistic and premium brands of pet foods and treats as well as a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies to suit every budget. Chain-wide, Pet Valu is dedicated to helping local pets in need and by partnering with local shelters, rescues and charities through national donation drives and fundraising campaigns. Pet Valu employees are Pet Experts and pet lovers, too.

About Pet Supermarket
Pet Supermarket is a one-stop pet shop for customers, offering a broad selection of premium pet food, supplies and services sold by trained professional staff who provide knowledgeable and friendly advice, enhancing the overall customer experience. Their stores provide pet parents with the convenience to shop locally in a community-oriented and caring environment, delivered by employees who develop lasting connections with their customers. To learn more about Pet Supermarket, please visit https://www.petsupermarket.com.

About America's VetDogs^® 
Since 2003, America's VetDogs has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel.  America's VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation. VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America's VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. It is only the second assistance dog school in the United States to be certified by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. For more information, visit www.VetDogs.org and be sure to catch Charlie, the VetDogs "Puppy with a Purpose," daily on NBC's TODAY.

About The United States War Dogs Association
The United States War Dogs Association, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of former and current U.S. Military Dog Handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to the United States. Find out more information about War Dogs online at https://www.uswardogs.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bridget Forney, PROFILES
410-243-3790, [email protected]

SOURCE Pet Supermarket / Pet Valu