Top Dogs Ready for San Diego's Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition

SAN DIEGO, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 1, 2015, the world's best Surf Dogs will jump on their boards, paddle out to the line-up and hang 20 at this year's Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. Now in its tenth year, more than 50 dogs are expected to participate in this year's family friendly event in Imperial Beach, CA, adjacent to the pier, and compete to take home the top trophies and prizes.

"As a staple San Diego event, we're excited to continue the local Surf Dog tradition and foster the powerful bond between pets and pet parents," said Evan Harding, Director of Marketing for Unleashed by Petco. "We welcome all pet lovers down to Imperial Beach for a day full of doggie paddles and fun in the sun."

2015 marks the second year the event will be hosted by Unleashed by Petco. All proceeds will go to the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, who will host pet adoptions on-site. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include an agility course and off-leash play area provided by Outward Hound and a Dog Food Garden featuring samples and coupons from Blue Buffalo, Live Free, My Perfect Pet, Natural Balance, Natures Variety, Solid Gold, Spot Farms and Whimzees. For two-legged adults in attendance, Coronado Brewing Company will host a beer garden featuring their new "Surf Dog Pale Ale." Animal care experts will also be on hand to ensure all dog participants are kept safe.

Professional surfer and pet parent Taylor Knox will be on hand to judge the competition alongside a panel of professional surf competition judges. Knox's journey in adopting his Chihuahua, Penelope, is profiled in the latest installation of Petco's "Think Adoption First" video series, which encourages potential pet parents to consider adopting from shelters and rescue organizations. Surf Dog attendees will have the opportunity to share their own pet adoption stories at a special onsite video booth.

Pet parents and attendees are encouraged to share the Surf Dog action on social channels using #SurfDogUnleashed. For more information, please visit unleashedby.petco.com/surfdog and like us on Facebook.

About Unleashed by Petco

Unleashed by Petco is a community oriented pet specialty retailer that focuses on natural nutrition and dog and cat supply essentials. The Unleashed by Petco brand offers more than 100 locations nationwide specializing in natural and organic pet food and treats including a large made-in-the-USA assortment. As part of the Petco family of brands, Unleashed works with and supports the Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, which 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 Petco Foundation and its partners, we host regular in-store adoption events and help find homes for thousands of animals every year.

Contact: Lisa Stark, lisa.stark@petco.com

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SOURCE Unleashed by Petco