BC SPCA Press Release re Petcetera/SPCA Pet Express van
Press Release Oct 6/04 Petcetera, BC SPCA Launch Innovative Project to Save Animals in BC

Petcetera, BC SPCA Launch Innovative Project to Save Animals in BC
October 6, 2004. For immediate release. The BC SPCA and Petcetera Stores have launched an innovative partnership aimed at reducing animal suffering in British Columbia. The two organizations have launched the Pet Express, a year-round transportation system that will bring homeless animals from northern and remote areas of British Columbia to Lower Mainland SPCA shelters where they have a much greater chance of being adopted.

Petcetera has committed $150,000 over a five-year-period to help the SPCA fund two state-of-the-art animal transport vehicles. The Pet Express trucks hold between 60-70 animals in roomy crates, with a temperature-controlled environment to ensure the animals are safe and comfortable at all times during travel.

"We believe Pet Express will save hundreds, possibly thousands of animal lives each year," says Craig Daniell, Chief Executive Officer of the BC SPCA. "Many areas of our province face serious pet overpopulation problems and local shelters are overwhelmed with the number of animals being surrendered or simply abandoned in their region. At the same time these communities don't have a large enough population to provide new homes for all of the animals awaiting adoption."

Daniell says one of the Pet Express vehicles will make regular trips to Vancouver from the Interior and north of the province, while the second will stay in the Greater Vancouver area to transfer animals between SPCA shelters and Petcetera locations, which operate in-store P.A.W.S adoption centres in conjunction with the SPCA and other humane societies.

Dan Urbani, Founder, Owner, President and CEO of Petcetera, says his company is delighted to be part of the Pet Express project. "We strive to be a socially-responsible business with a strong commitment to the welfare of animals," he says. "When the BC SPCA approached us about being part of Pet Express we felt it was a very good fit with our own commitment to reduce euthanasia and to address the plight of homeless animals." He adds that Petcetera looks forward to exploring other new projects with the BC SPCA to save animal lives.

The SPCA welcomes donations to help with the on-going operation costs of the Pet Express. Individuals interested in helping to support the project are invited to donate on-line at www.spca.bc.ca, call 604-681-7271 (1-800-665-1868 toll-free outside Greater Vancouver) or send their donation to BC SPCA, 1245 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1R1.