Petco's National Adoption Weekend Events March 9-10th

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When most people are considering pet adoption, dogs and cats most immediately come to mind. However, what most may not realize is that rabbits are the third-most surrendered animal to shelters and they, too, can make wonderful additions to the family. Attend any of the Petco National Adoption Weekend events taking place March 9-10^th to learn about which pet is right for you. While not every Petco will have rabbits available for adoption, there will be plenty of adoptables seeking a forever home and guests can learn how to properly care for a new pet's physical, mental, social and emotional needs – cat, dog and rabbit alike.

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Domestic rabbits can make wonderful pets for families that are ready for the responsibility. For anyone ready to take the "leap" into rabbit ownership, here are some interesting facts to keep in mind:

• More than half of U.S. households with rabbits also have fish while 23% also have birds as pets.
• Nudges on the ankle or a bit of head shaking are signs that a rabbit wants to be socially engaged and playful. Since rabbits carry their scent gland on their chin, pet parents should consider themselves "marked" when their bunny rubs its chin against them. It's a sign they are emotionally happy!
• Most domestic rabbits' lifespan is 8 years, though rabbits that are spayed/neutered can live as long as 10-12 years. Un-neutered male rabbits are prone to prostate cancer and un-spayed females have a 60-80 percent chance of developing ovarian, uterine or other reproductive cancers, so it's recommended they are spayed/neutered at an early age to help prolong their life.
• Dogs aren't the only ones that beg! Rabbits can be contenders with dogs when it comes to begging for food.
• All rabbits chew, but those who do more of it tend to be smart and outgoing. Make sure to have lots of toys around to help curb bunnies chewing behavior.
• It's important to make sure pet rabbits stay physically fit by getting daily exercise and time out of their habitat. Their habitat should be cleaned weekly and always be stocked with fresh hay and clean water. Much like dogs and cats, rabbits should also have plenty of toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
• Rabbits are meticulously clean animals and are easy to housebreak and train.  Much like a dog, a pet rabbit can stay mentally alert by being taught to come to his/her name, sit in your lap, and perform tricks.

For those ready to welcome a rabbit or any new pet into their home, Petco and Unleashed by Petco locations nationwide will be hosting adoption events the weekend of March 9-10, 2013. Pet adoption times may vary, so it's recommended to contact the nearest location for adoption hours.

To find an adoption event in your area or for more information on adding a pet to your family, visit petco.com/adoptions.

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 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, 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 350,000 animals through in-store adoption events every year.

Contact:
Allie Maltese
619-501-2756
[email protected]

SOURCE Petco