MARKETWIRE

PHOENIX, AZ — At about noon today, a PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin’ trailer, stocked with at least 16 tons of much-needed pet food and supplies, was deployed from the PetSmart Distribution Center in Phoenix, Ariz., to the Santa Barbara Humane Society to assist pets who have been displaced or injured by the Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara County.

“We received a request May 6th for assistance from officials with Santa Barbara County Animal Services and began readying a vehicle for deployment to the scene,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities.

Initial reports from Susan Klein-Rothschild, acting animal services operations chief in the emergency operations center, indicate that mandatory evacuations of people and animals have resulted in the shelter receiving more than 150 dogs, 140 cats and at least 50 horses, goats and llamas for emergency shelter and care, with many more expected.

Each PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin’ vehicle is stocked with emergency pet supplies and field and support equipment valued at $60,000. Supplies include pet food, crates, beds, bowls, litter and litter pans, as well as a generator, fans, tents, a battery charger, lights and other supplies to assist the agency who is caring for displaced companion animals.

“The sole purpose of our Emergency Relief Waggin’ program is to ensure that necessary assistance is readily available for animals in need as a result of natural or man-made disasters,” Della Maddalena added. “We want to do our part so these helpless pets receive the care and comfort they need and deserve.”

PetSmart Charities established its Emergency Relief Waggin’ program in 2007 to provide assistance following natural and man-made disasters.

To support PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief Waggin’ program, readers can make a tax-deductible donation in one of two ways: 1. Make a credit card donation via the PetSmart Charities Web site at:
www.PetSmartCharities.org. 2. Mail a check earmarked for “Emergency Relief” directly to: PetSmart Charities, Attn: Emergency Relief; 19601 N. 27th Avenue,
Phoenix, Ariz., 85027.