Petco's Popular Hamster Ball Derby Returns for Another Lap in 2015

SAN DIEGO, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 16, 2015, Petco will welcome hamster owners and race enthusiasts across the nation for its annual Hamster Ball Derby. The popular annual event is a part of Petco's commitment to help strengthen the bond between pet parents and their pets with fun and informative in-store activities. 

Families are invited to bring their pet hamster and hamster ball to their local Petco store to watch these small companion animals race to the finish line during Hamster Ball Derby. Participation is free. Registration for the family-friendly event will open at 1:30 p.m. on May 16 followed by races starting at 2 p.m. The speediest hamster will be awarded with a Kaytee CritterTrail habitat and all participants will get a free Kaytee coupon book.

Whether racing or cheering, Hamster Ball Derby attendees and Petco customers are welcome to participate in the following on-site activities and promotions on May 16 and 17:

• Pre-race activities (May 16): Arrive early on race day to customize your hamster ball with stickers or shop for small animal needs.
• Bring home a hamster: Hamsters looking for their forever home will be at local Petco stores. Add a hamster to your family for $9.99 with Pals Rewards.*
• Small Animal Starter Kit: Pick up the unique and colorful Kaytee CritterTrail habitat – the perfect home for gerbils, hamsters, or mice – for just $14.99 with Pals Rewards. The habitat comes with exercise wheel, water bottle and food dish for year round Hamster ball Derby training.*
• Create and Connect: Race participants who purchase a CritterTrail habitat will receive an exclusive 4-way hamster tube to help make hamster homes more elaborate. See CritterTrail habitats in action with this stop motion video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQIt_ZwnG44

Knowledgeable Petco store partners will be on hand to provide tips for proper care of small animals and share insights on the benefits of companion pets.

For more information about hamsters and Petco's Hamster Ball Derby, please visit http://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.

*Offers valid May 16 & 17 in-store only, while supplies last. Not available at all locations.

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 120 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.

Contact: Megan Oxford, [email protected] / (858) 453-7845 x3314

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SOURCE Petco