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PetSmart Charities Mobilizes National Disaster Relief Effort for Pets Affected by Hurricane Katrina

PetSmart Charities has launched a nationwide hurricane relief effort for injured, lost or abandoned pets. The non-profit organization is partnering with local animal welfare agencies in the Southeast, including the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee, to distribute emergency relief where it's needed most.

The public can make tax-deductible donations to help the pet victims of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters one of three ways:

--  Make a credit card donation at the PetSmart Charities home page at
    www.petsmartcharities.org.

--  Make a cash donation at the Charity Dog receptacle inside any U.S.
    PetSmart store between Aug. 30 and Sept. 30, 2005.

--  Mail in a check donation directly to:    PetSmart Charities
                                             Attn: Disaster Relief
                                             19601 North 27th Avenue
                                             Phoenix, AZ 85027

(Customers are asked to write "Disaster Relief" in the memo section on their check.)

PetSmart Charities provides immediate emergency relief funding and supplies to assist pets affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, fire and other natural disasters. Disaster relief funds from PetSmart Charities began flowing to animal welfare partners in the Hurricane Katrina recovery area within hours of the storm's passing.

All funds raised for Hurricane Katrina will be used to aid pets affected by this hurricane and other disasters. Any donations above and beyond what is needed to provide relief for pet victims of Hurricane Katrina will be deposited in the general disaster relief fund to be used for future disaster relief efforts. Funds will be used to fulfill needs for the following: food, crates, litter, beds, medical supplies, vaccinations, and capital repair costs for shelters.

The national non-profit organization also provides much-needed support for pet victims of man-made emergencies including pet hoarding situations and puppy mill rescues. In 2004 alone, PetSmart Charities donated more than $400,000 in funding and supplies to assist with 45 natural disasters and cruelty cases.

About PetSmart Charities

To improve the quality of life for all companion animals, PetSmart Charities (www.petsmartcharities.org) creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raises awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promotes healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, an independent 501(c)3 organization, has donated more than $39 million to animal welfare programs and, through its in-store adoption programs, has saved the lives of more than two million pets.

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