Petco™ Prepares New Pet Parents for the Road Ahead

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- No one sets out to be a mediocre parent. To be a great parent, one must prepare for the arrival of a child and educate themselves on all aspects of the child's life. Similarly, new pet parents must take many of these same steps to ensure the pet has everything they need to thrive in the new environment. With many families welcoming pets into their homes over the holidays, Petco is offering a number of educational seminars in January to provide free advice that will help new parents care for a pet's whole health including their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

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Physical Health

Most pet parents know proper diet and exercise is vital. However, what a pet is fed not only affects how they feel on the inside, but also how they look on the outside. Keep in mind, every pet's nutritional needs are different and may require a specific food type. For example, young dogs often need puppy-specific formulas and older dogs may need a formula specially designed for senior pets with joint issues. There are also foods that can help pets with food sensitivities. New pet parents are always welcome to speak to one of Petco's Certified Nutrition Experts to get a better understanding of what food is right for their pet. In addition, Petco is inviting all pet parents to attend one of their free Skin and Coat Seminars on January 12-13, 2013. This free seminar will teach pet parents how to keep a dog's skin healthy and coat shiny all year long.

Mental Health

Keeping a pet mentally stimulated is a must to avoid destructive behavior such as going to the bathroom in the house or destroying upholstery. Toys and puzzles will keep pets occupied and mentally stimulated for long periods so they don't take out their boredom on furniture. For those who need a potty training refresher or just a place to get started, Petco is offering free Potty Training Seminars January 5-6, 2013. Qualified trainers will offer professional advice, tips and tricks to help make potty training easier and fun, while stimulating pets mentally with positive feedback.

Social Health

In addition to caring for a pet's physical and mental health, teaching pets to interact and play well with others is essential to being a great pet parent and providing complete care. Help a new pet become the socialite they were meant to be at one of Petco's free Puppy Socialization Seminars January 19-20, 2013. This 30-minute constructive playtime is designed to teach valuable social skills to puppies.

Emotional Health

Every pet needs to be loved. With a staggering 5 to 7 million animals in shelters throughout the United States, Petco encourages everyone to "Think Adoption First" when bringing a new pet into the home. Giving emotional stability and love to a pet in need is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Stop by Petco's National Adoption Weekend January 5-6, 2013 to meet local shelter pets and find out if pet adoption is a good family choice. For those who aren't sure if bringing a pet into their home is the right decision, attend Petco's Meet the Critters event January 12-13, 2013 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.. The event is themed "My First Pet" and will feature a variety of pets that make good first pets for a child just starting to learn responsibility.

For more information on caring for a pet's whole health visit: www.petco.com/wholepets.

About Petco

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,150 stores nationwide, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $100 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 approximately 8,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 250,000 animals through in-store adoption events every year.

CONTACT:    
Mia West    
619.501.2756    
[email protected]

SOURCE Petco