The Bakersfield Voice

By: Rachel McLennan

Description: Annual Tree of Hope campaign under way

The PETCO Foundation’s Annual Tree of Hope fundraiser is now underway in hopes of raising more than $2 million for animals in need nationwide.

Now through Dec. 24, PETCO customers can help make a difference for hundreds of pets by purchasing card ornaments for a $1, $5, $10 or $20 donation. Customers donating $20 or more will receive a PETCO Foundation ceramic ornament. Last year’s fundraiser generated more than $2.7 million.

Money raised locally stays within the community and region. Each PETCO store selects an animal welfare group, and then collects donations on that organization’s behalf. Customers can also visit: PETCO.com to donate online.

Additionally, PETCO’s pet insurance partner PetCare Pet Insurance Programs, offered and owned by Pethealth Inc., will donate $5 for each PetCare pet insurance policy activated during the fundraiser.

“Millions of homeless pets in our nation’s shelters lose their chance to love because they have been given up for one reason or another,” says PETCO Foundation Vice President and Director Paul Jolly. “Tree of Hope provides much needed funding to local rescue organizations that provide homeless animals with a second chance to live and love.”

Reasons to donate:
• Approximately 8 million pets will flood animal shelters next year.

• Between 4 to 6 million pets are euthanized each year.

• On average, it costs a shelter $75 per spay/neuter surgery, which prevents unwanted litters.

• Through generous donations animal welfare organizations are able to invest in making surrendered animals more adoptable.