Petco to reopen two Chicago-area Pooch Hotel locations for limited, needs-based boarding

CHICAGO, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a two-week voluntary closure of Pooch Hotels in the Chicago area due to reported instances of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), Petco today announced it will reopen, in a limited capacity, two Pooch Hotels on Friday, April 17.  

"We share in our community's concern about protecting pets from this virus, and have recently closed and disinfected our facilities in an effort to minimize risk of exposure and keep pets safe while under our care," said Jason Michal, vice president of Pooch Hotel. "We will be reopening in a thoughtful and responsible way for customers that have legitimate needs and no other viable options to board their pets."

The two Chicago Pooch Hotels (Lincoln Park and West Loop) reopening for limited services have been closed since Friday, April 3, and have since been completely disinfected. Pooch locations will not be open for daycare, and dog training in area Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores will be available for private classes only. Pets boarded at Pooch will not have group play time and will have limited interaction with other pets.

Precautionary measures will continue at Petco, Unleashed by Petco and Pooch locations to protect pets from the spread of CIV, including no sharing of leads, bowls, bedding and any item that comes in contact with multiple dogs unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. All partners will take extra care to make sure they are thoroughly washing hands in between handling pets. Additionally, any pet who may show signs or symptoms of CIV will be isolated and given immediate veterinary care.

At Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores, adoption events, group dog training and puppy playtime activities will continue to be suspended until further notice.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus. Veterinary health authorities recommend avoiding or minimizing interaction amongst dogs, including public places such as dog parks and boarding facilities. Pet parents are strongly advised to schedule an appointment with their veterinarian if their dog shows signs of any cough, runny nose or fever and should also take precautions to minimize exposure to the virus by avoiding contact with other dogs in public places for the time being. More information can be found on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/.

Normal operations of all Petco, Unleashed by Petco and Pooch Hotel services, including dog training, day care and group play will be resumed when Petco is confident that this virus no longer poses the current level of risk.

"We appreciate our customers' help in keeping our pets and our community as healthy as possible," said Jason Michal, vice president of Pooch Hotel. "Accordingly, we understand that these precautions may be an inconvenience for pet parents and families, however, we want to take every measure to ensure the safety and health of our pets."

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Celebrating 50 years of service to pet parents, 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 1,400 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; 10 Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; prescription services and pet supplies from the leading veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith; 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.

SOURCE Petco