Nearly one in five American households adopted
a pet during the pandemic, according to the ASPCA.
Today, 60% of pet parents say they would
rather spend more time with their pets than anyone else, according
to a recent Petco survey; and nearly 70% are prioritizing their
pets' health and preventative care as they do for
themselves.
SAN
DIEGO, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Four years
since the onset of COVID-19, puppies and kittens adopted during the
pandemic are now entering adulthood and pets adopted as adults are
approaching their senior years. As a partner in complete pet care,
Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. (Nasdaq: WOOF) is sharing
veterinarian-recommended tips for supporting pets through life
stage transitions.
"Just like humans, pets' needs evolve throughout their lives and
Petco offers the expertise, products and services essential to
caring for their total wellness as they age," said Petco's Chief
Veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller,
DVM, MBA, DACVPM. "Across nutrition, activity level, veterinary
care and more, puppies and kittens have very different needs from
adult pets, and their needs change again as they become seniors.
It's critically important that pet parents understand the varying
life stages and how they can help their pets live their healthiest,
happiest lives at each milestone."
Dr. Miller's top tips include:
- Vaccinations: Vaccines are an essential part of every
pet's whole health. Puppies and kittens will need extra attention
in this area, but adult and senior dogs and cats still require
regular vaccines to protect them from contagious diseases. Petco
has unveiled vaccine packages now available at Vetco Vaccination
Clinics that are conveniently grouped by age and lifestyle, making
it easier than ever to keep pets up to date.
- Regular Checkups: Schedule regular veterinary visits, at
minimum once per year, to help prevent and identify conditions
early. As pets enter their senior years, a trusted veterinarian can
diagnose and treat issues to help pets live longer, healthier
lives. Through June 30, 2024, new
pets to Vetco Total Care hospitals can receive a free first
veterinary exam.* Petco Vital Care Premier members receive
unlimited routine vet exams at all Vetco Total Care locations or
$20 Vital Care Rewards for every
routine exam at any vet outside of Petco.
- Nutrition: Pets' nutritional needs change as they age.
Puppies and kittens can benefit from unique calcium and phosphorous
and specific formulations that help support their rapid growth and
development. Adult pets may have new dietary sensitivities or needs
and require a switch to a weight management or limited-ingredient
food. As pets settle into their senior years, joint and fatty acid
supplements can help ensure they are supporting mobility and skin
and coat health. Petco offers a range of nutritional products to
support every diet, budget and life stage.
- Training: Training is a lifelong practice for pets, and
pet parents should not stop at puppyhood. Behavioral issues can
arise at any life stage, and it's never too late to learn new
skills. With patience and dedication, pet parents can help their
pets adjust to new routines, especially if the past four years have
increased their pet's separation and social anxiety. Petco offers a
team of expert dog trainers, who can help pets learn desirable
behaviors through positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Now through April 6, 2024, pet
parents can receive $30 off Petco's
group dog training classes and packages, in-store and online,
purchased on petco.com.*
- Grooming: A regular grooming routine is essential to
maintaining a pet's health & wellness. Not only will regular
appointments keep pets looking their best throughout their lifetime
but also targeted grooming packages can help address issues such as
fleas, shedding and itching. In addition, Petco's team of certified
stylists begin each appointment with a seven-point Pet Care Check
to ensure the pet is safe to be groomed and there are no obvious
concerns that should be evaluated by a veterinarian. As pets enter
new life stages, a regular grooming appointment can be another line
of defense when it comes to identifying and treating issues. Petco
also offers grooming add-ons to a full-service bath or groom,
including the spring grooming package, featuring strawberry-scented
shampoo and spritz, a strawberry-themed bandana and more, available
for $28 now through May 4, 2024.
- Home Integration: From puppy gates to a ramp for senior
pets, it's important to consider implementing simple adaptations at
home to best support pets at each life stage. As dogs and cats age,
they may get stiff laying on their old bed and feel more
comfortable on an orthopedic bed. Both puppies and older dogs may
need to have potty pads on hand, while adult dogs can benefit from
engaging toys that help release their energy and strengthen
cognition.
- Safety Measures: One in three pets goes missing in their
lifetime. Be sure to microchip pets, in addition to using an
identification tag, for their safety. Also, register pets with
Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses
patented image-recognition technology to help reunite lost pets
with their families. As more pet parents register their pets, this
can help curb the increase in stray and lost pets coming into
shelters across the country.
In honor of National Puppy Day and Easter, Petco is also
sharing two additional timely deals for pet parents:
- 25% off select EveryYay dog supplies, including
dwellings, beds and bowls, available in-store and online on
National Puppy Day, March 23,
2024.
- 30% off select KONG, Youly and Multipet Easter supplies,
in-store and online, from March 8 through
March 31, 2024.
For more information on supporting pet health and wellness
through life stage transitions, visit a Petco pet care center or
petco.com.
*Proof of offer required to redeem. Restrictions
apply.
About Petco, The Health + Wellness Co.: Founded in
1965, Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company
focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and our own
Petco partners. We've consistently set new standards in pet care
while delivering comprehensive pet wellness products, services and
solutions, and creating communities that deepen the pet-pet parent
bond. We operate more than 1,500 pet care centers across the
U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, which offer
merchandise, companion animals, grooming, training and a growing
network of on-site veterinary hospitals and mobile veterinary
clinics. Our complete pet health and wellness ecosystem is
accessible through our pet care centers and digitally
at petco.com and on the Petco app. In tandem
with Petco Love, a life-changing independent nonprofit
organization, we work with and support thousands of local animal
welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption
events, we've helped find homes for more than 7 million
animals.
Media Contact:
Yvonne
Tarrab
yvonne.tarrab@petco.com
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SOURCE Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc.