Each year, millions of wonderful, loving animals wind up homeless and in animal shelters across the country. An estimated 3 to 4 million of them are eventually put to death because no one takes them home to give them the happy lives they deserve.

That means an animal is euthanized every eight seconds.

That’s why PETCO has always promoted a Think Adoption First philosophy. As a guiding principal for our business, Think Adoption First strongly recommends that anyone looking to add a new pet to their family consider adopting a companion animal in need of a loving home, rather than purchasing one – even from one of our own stores.

PETCO and the PETCO Foundation work with more than 6,200 local animal welfare partners to help save the lives of more than 200,000 homeless animals every year. Together, we host and sponsor adoption events in our stores and communities, nationwide – and help those animals find their way to loving forever homes.