News Release

September 17, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steve Pine
Chicago Zoological Society
708.688.8577
steve.pine@czs.org

Carol McGowan
PETCO
(630) 356-7007

Chicago Zoological Society Partners with PETCO for Pet Adoption Event
Hundreds of Animals Available for Adoption

      Brookfield, Ill.—The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is partnering with PETCO to host an adoption event on Saturday, October 2, and Sunday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The FREE event will take place at the Brookfield Zoo's North parking lot and there will be no fee for parking.

The large-scale event will feature at least 23 animal rescue agencies from Illinois and Wisconsin that represent hundreds of cats and dogs in need of a good home. All animals are up-to-date on their vaccines. There is an adoption fee, which varies depending on the agency.

Joining in the weekend event will be Natural Balance, PETCO’s premier partner. Representatives from Natural Balance will be distributing pet food samples. In addition, those who choose to adopt will receive a special goody bag filled with great offers and samples.

To date, more than 2.8 million animals have been saved since PETCO founded the industry-leading Think Adoption First initiative, through which every PETCO store works with local animal rescue agencies to help its customers find adoptable animals. PETCO customers who choose adoption through one of PETCO’s sponsored animal adoption events or its charitable partners are invited to join PETCO’s Think Adoption First program. When proof of a pet adoption is brought into a store and a P.A.L.S. loyalty program membership is activated, customers will receive a free brochure that features exclusive savings on food and supplies. In addition, new pet parents will receive a year-long series of educational e-mails regarding the health and well-being of their new pet, as well as special offers of up to 25 percent in savings each month.

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services, and advice that make it easier for its customers to be great pet parents. It operates more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at PETCO.com. Its nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $63 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, PETCO works with and supports more than 6,500 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
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