Royal Canin Proves "Pet-First" Philosophy By Launching Summer Pet Food Drive To Donate 40,000 Pounds Of Pet Food In 40 Days

ST. CHARLES, Mo., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASPCA states that every year over 2 million pets are surrendered to shelters by families that encounter devastating financial, medical and emotional hardships. In order to help remedy this reality, Royal Canin and Banfield Charitable Trust are teaming up to support pet owner retention programs nationwide through the "40,000 Pounds in 40 Days" Facebook challenge, launching today.

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"Royal Canin and Banfield Charitable Trust share a true passion for contributing to the overall well-being of pets and pet owners," says Keith Levy, President of Royal Canin USA, Inc. "Partnering with Banfield Charitable Trust to responsibly serve families in need ensures that cats and dogs can remain part of the family."

From June 17, 2013 to July 26, 2013, Royal Canin and Banfield Charitable Trust are asking pet advocates everywhere to help keep pets and their families together through the "40,000 Pounds in 40 Days" Facebook challenge. For 40 consecutive days, Royal Canin will be sharing inspiring stories through Facebook posts of cats, dogs and their families who were the recipients of pet food assistance programs through Banfield Charitable Trust. For each "like" or "share" engagement on Royal Canin's or Banfield Charitable Trust's Facebook pages, Royal Canin will donate one pound of food, up to 40,000 pounds.

"We are honored to partner with Royal Canin on our summer pet food drive. With their generous support we are able to ensure thousands of hungry pets will receive nutritious meals," says Diane McGill, Executive Director and CEO of Banfield Charitable Trust. "Many grateful owners will sleep easier knowing their four-legged family members will thrive because of Royal Canin's generosity."

As part of the "40,000 Pounds in 40 Days" Facebook challenge and the ongoing partnership with Banfield Charitable Trust, two brand new food pantries will receive donations to help open their doors in the coming months.

• In Chicago, the North Park Friendship Center will make pet food available in their existing human food bank, supplied in part by donations from Royal Canin.
• In Kansas City, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City will open a pet food pantry to make support available on a permanent basis.

In addition to partnering with Banfield Charitable Trust to help prevent pet surrender, Royal Canin is committed to improving the lives of cats and dogs in every way possible. Last year, the company donated over three-quarters of a million pounds of pet food to shelters and rescue organizations across the country through Royal Canin's pet food distribution partner, Rescue Bank.

About Royal Canin USA

Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders, and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, life style and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. To learn more about Royal Canin visit www.royalcanin.us and LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcanin.us.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust keeps pets and their people together. Since 2004, BCT has been helping vulnerable pet owners such as homebound seniors, the unemployed and the disabled who benefit from the companionship and support of their pet. Through donor support, BCT assists these pet owners struggling to meet their pets' veterinary and pet care needs and supports innovative local programs that get at the root causes of pet surrender to shelters. Visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org to learn more about BCT's work.

SOURCE Royal Canin