Petco Invites Families to Nationwide Return of Hamster Ball Derby

SAN DIEGO, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday, April 12, 2014, hamsters across the nation will satisfy their "need for speed" with the highly anticipated return of Petco's Hamster Ball Derby. Starting at 1:30 p.m., families are invited to bring their pet hamster and their hamster ball to their local Petco store to watch these tiny companions race to the finish line in an effort to win the grand prize, a Super Pet Hamtrac Exercise Loop.

Participants will learn about the different ways they can continue the high-speed fun at home such as adding a tunnel or wheel to their hamster habitat. For those who don't have a hamster to compete this year, families are also invited to Petco to learn why hamsters are one of the most popular small animals around the world. Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help kids 6- to 13-years-old learn why hamsters make such great pets and also how to best care for these furry critters. To get hamster fans excited about Hamster Ball Derby, Petco shares a few fun facts about these amazing creatures:

• Hamsters eyesight isn't great, be sure to approach them slowly to avoid startling them.
• Hamsters are naturally nocturnal and are active through the night
• Hamsters can run up to eight miles a day on their hamster wheels
• Hamsters are naturally curious about their surroundings, hamster balls are the perfect way to keep them safe while allowing them to explore
• Hamsters can carry up to half their body weight in food in their cheek pouches
• Hamsters are smart and can be trained to perform tricks
• Hamsters like to be clean, be sure to wash hands before and after play time to keep everyone healthy

For more information about hamsters and Petco's Hamster Ball Derby, please visit www.petco.com/HamsterBallDerby or visit the nearest Petco location. Participating racers must bring their own hamster ball or purchase one prior to the race.

*This event will not be taking place in Hawaii Petco locations.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships 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.

Contact: Julie Willis, 619-501-2756, [email protected]

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SOURCE Petco