Petco Foundation presents President and CEO of San Diego Humane Society Gary Weitzman with a check of $10,000 for the SDHS.

More than ever before – I am convinced San Diego is not only Americas finest city but it’s also Pet City USA. According to Forbes, the most pet-friendly among cities with populations of over a million is San Diego. It’s no coincidence our cities biggest cultural landmark is also owned by a brand that represents pet enthusiasm while helping animal rescue shelters need – Petco. While many of Americans watch baseball in a stadium named after brands that represent technology, chewing gum, or that of their teams name ( aka. AT&T Park, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium ) San Diegan’s celebrate the countries all time sport associated with a brand that symbolizes love for animals in a city that’s proud to show it!

This weekend, downtown’s beloved Petco Park turns ten and San Diego-based Petco and the Padres will celebrate 10 years of community partnership during a anniversary weekend May 9 – 11th and throughout baseball season.

To make things more exciting the Petco Foundation will be donating $10,000 to the San Diego Humane Society during a pre-game check presentation this Sunday, May 11th. The San Diego Humane Society has served the San Diego community for more than 130 years working to provide vital services to animals including sheltering and adopting animals, investigating animal cruelty, public training classes, education programs and pet-assisted therapy. The $10,000 donated by the Petco Foundation will help the group continue its services, and marks more than $3.5 million dollars the Foundation has donated to local San Diego animal welfare organizations over the last 10 years. This past weekend the Petco Foundation raised over $600,000 toward helping animal rescue shelters in need at their sixth annual HOPE Gala.

For the past decade, Petco Park has served not only as home to the San Diego Padres, but also as a catalyst for the revitalization of San Diego’s East Village. As the backdrop for countless memorable moments for families and visitors to America’s Finest City, Petco Park has become the centerpiece for community activities, pet adoption events, and an increasing number of high-profile global events, including the Davis Cup, World Baseball Classic and more.

“Our partnership with the Padres helps us connect more deeply with our hometown community while also raising awareness for local and national animal-welfare causes and finding homes for deserving pets in our own backyard,” said Jim Myers chief executive officer at Petco. “Petco Park is a remarkable example of the positive impact community partnerships can have. We look forward to building on the relationship and continuing our collective impact with the Padres for many years to come.”

Petco and the Padres are celebrating the anniversary all season long with activities for pets and people as well as special tributes to working and service dogs who serve alongside first responders and the military. Activities include the annual Dog Days of Summer, fan contests and giveaways, adoption events, support for local animal-welfare groups and special appearances by Padres players at some of Petco’s 35+ San Diego Petco and Unleashed by Petco store locations.

Petco Park’s anniversary weekend, May 9-11, will feature a special post game fireworks show on Friday, sponsored by Petco. Fans attending the game Saturday, May 10, will receive a 10th anniversary commemorative canvas art collectible. On Mother’s Day, May 11, 25 lucky fans sitting in Sunday’s “lucky row” will win $100 Petco gift cards for themselves, plus the Petco Foundation will make a special donation to a local animal-welfare organization in honor of the 10th Anniversary.

“We know San Diego loves baseball and it’s equally clear our fans love their pets,” said Padres President and CEO Mike Dee. “Over the past decade, it has become clear that Petco Park is more than just a ballpark. All you need to do is look at Park at the Park on an off day or at lunchtime to see this is a gathering place for the community – San Diegans and their pets. It’s been a great 10 years and we’re looking forward to becoming even stronger community partners as we embark on the next 10 plus together.”

For more information about Petco Park, visit www.padres.com. For more information about Petco, or to find a Petco store near you, visit www.petco.com.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation


Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing the powerful relationship between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; nine Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, 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 Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.