Unique Collaboration Saves Pets in Fort Worth

PHOENIX, AZ, Apr 22 (MARKET WIRE) --
As many as 1,300 dogs and cats in Fort Worth, Texas will be saved every
year, thanks to a one-of-a-kind partnership between the City of Fort
Worth, Texas, and nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc. The two have teamed
up with support from community pet lovers and PetSmart, Inc. to open the
first government animal-control pet-adoption center inside a PetSmart(R)
store.

"We are very proud to be part of this collaborative effort and we applaud
the Fort Worth city leaders and the dedicated city staff for their
unwavering commitment to this endeavor," said Susana Della Maddalena,
executive director of nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc. "At PetSmart
Charities, our goal is to save the lives of pets who don't have homes.
This type of collaboration -- one that promotes pet adoptions and reduces
euthanasia -- is key to meeting that goal."

The satellite shelter is a model for the rest of the country as PetSmart
Charities explores new ways to save the lives of pets who don't have
homes. About 8 million pets end up in shelters across the United States
annually; tragically, 4 million are put down because they are not adopted
in time.

PetSmart Charities is funding 100 percent of the build-out costs for the
new center, which will occupy about 1,830 square feet of space that was
not being used at the rear of the store. PetSmart(R) is not charging the
city any rent, and pet-loving Fort Worth community leaders are raising
funds to cover operational costs.

The city will staff the satellite shelter, which will house up to 50
adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at a time. Pets will live at
the center until they're adopted, so they won't need to be transported
between the store and Forth Worth's main shelter. Not only does the new
center free up kennel space at the main municipal location, but it also
allows the city to take adoptable pets out to the community and house
them in a pet-friendly venue. About 25 pets will be adopted from the new
shelter location every week.

"The City of Fort Worth is very fortunate to have PetSmart Charities and
PetSmart, Inc. as partners in the new adoption center," said Brandon
Bennett, Fort Worth Code Compliance director. "This partnership will
enable the city to better fulfill its mission to find warm homes and
loving families for adoptable dogs and cats from our shelter."

About the Facility:

The shelter will be open seven days a week. Amenities include:

-- 10 kennels for adult dogs
-- Four kennels for puppies or small dogs
-- Cat adoption center (to house up to 24 cats)
-- Play area for dogs awaiting adoption
-- Meet-and-greet areas for prospective adopters and their families to
get acquainted with the pet(s) they want to take home
-- Dog and cat isolation areas

The grand opening celebration for the new shelter begins at 10 am on
Saturday, May 1, 2010, at the Hulen PetSmart(R) store, 4800 Loop 820, in
Fort Worth. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

The May 1st grand opening coincides with the PetSmart Charities(R) Second
Chance for Love National Adoption Event. Sponsored by Hills(R) Science
Diet Brand(R) and PetSmart(R), the event aims to find homes for more than
18,500 pets throughout North America. Dozens of dogs, cats, puppies and
kittens who need homes will be available for adoption at this event from
Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, as well as other animal-welfare groups
that collaborate with PetSmart Charities.

JOIN US FOR THE
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

-- Saturday, May 1, 2010

-- PetSmart(R) store, 4800 Loop 820, Fort Worth (Hulen Mall area)

-- Festivities begin with presentations and a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.
Shelter tours, pet adoptions and activities for pets and people
continue until 4 p.m.

-- Presenters include Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Danny Scarth; Fort Worth
community leader Bill Boecker; PetSmart, Inc. Executive Chairman
Philip Francis; and PetSmart Charities, Inc. Executive Director Susana
Della Maddalena.

This event is free -- everyone is welcome!

ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES(R)
Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities,
Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and
supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness
of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships
between people and pets. The largest funder of animal welfare efforts in
North America, PetSmart Charities has provided $110 million in grants and
programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and, through its
in-store adoption program, helped save the lives of more than 4 million
pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its
Vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit
petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.

Contact:

Kim Noetzel
Communication Manager
PetSmart Charities, Inc.
knoetzel@petsmartcharities.org
Office: (623) 587-2872
Cell: (602) 319-9708

Veronica Villegas
Communication Manager
City of Fort Worth
Office: (817) 392-6178
Cell: (817) 353-2287

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