In response to canine influenza, Chicago-area Petco and Unleashed by Petco to suspend adoption events, dog training and puppy playtime activities; Pooch Hotel to close area boarding facilities

CHICAGO, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Out of an abundance of caution, Petco today announced that precautionary measures are being taken to protect pets from spread of canine influenza in the Chicago area.

Over the past week, there have been reports of canine influenza spreading throughout Chicago. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus. Pet parents are strongly advised to schedule an appointment with their veterinarian if their dog shows signs of any cough, runny nose or fever and should also take precautions to minimize exposure to the virus by avoiding contact with other dogs in public places for the time being. More information can be found on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/.

"In the interest of pet health and safety, we are temporarily closing our Pooch Hotel locations in Lincoln Park and West Loop and suspending adoption events, dog training and puppy playtime activities in area Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores," said Dr. Tom Edling, vice president of veterinary medicine for Petco. "Our goal with these temporary measures is to minimize the spread of the virus by limiting exposure to otherwise healthy dogs."

For those pet parents who are traveling and unable to pick up their dogs currently being cared for at either of the Pooch Hotel locations, we will continue to monitor their pets and provide appropriate care for those who show symptoms.

"We appreciate that the temporary closure of our Pooch Hotels may be an inconvenience for pet parents and families, particularly those who may be heading out for the Spring Break holiday, but we are acting in the best interest of those pets," said Jason Michal, vice president of Pooch Hotel. "We look forward to re-opening these facilities as soon as possible."

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Celebrating 50 years of service to pet parents, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships 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 1,400 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; 10 Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; prescription services and pet supplies from the leading veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith; 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 400,000 animals every year.

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SOURCE Petco

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