Leading Pet Specialty Retailer to Donate at Least $75,000 to Canadian Cancer Society

BURLINGTON, ON, May 2, 2017 /CNW/ - PetSmart, Canada's leading pet specialty retailer, today announced a collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, with PetSmart adding a philanthropic element to its Pet Expressions grooming services, where dogs can don a Yellow Daffodil, the Canadian Cancer Society's iconic logo, or Pink Ribbon stencil in support of Canada's leading cancer charity.

Beginning April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018, $2.00 from each of these two Pet Expressions services will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society with a minimum donation of $75,000. Funds raised through these philanthropic services will support research into all types of cancer, information and support programs for patients and their families, and other important work so that fewer people are affected by cancer.

"We are proud to partner with such a leading organization like the Canadian Cancer Society to show our support of causes important to Canadians," said John DeFranco, President, PetSmart Canada. "It's estimated that 555 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every day, and we want to help fight every kind of cancer. So by creating these grooming services that give back in stores across the country, we're working together with our generous pet parent customers to donate at least $75,000 to this cause that affects so many Canadians."

The Canadian Cancer Society is the country's largest charitable funder of cancer research and the organization invests in many kinds of research. The charity is also a trusted source of cancer information and support. Last year, the charity helped almost 163,000 Canadians through its services. 

"We are proud to collaborate with PetSmart Canada on this creative initiative," says Carly Schur, Director, National Corporate Development, Canadian Cancer Society. "The number of cancer cases in Canada is expected to increase by nearly 40% by 2030, increasing the demand for our research and services. Now more than ever, we need the generous support of our corporate partners and their customers."

The services* are available in-store (while supplies last) and include Top Dog Yellow Daffodil and Pink Ribbon Pet Expressions services, where pet parents can show their support for the cause with a pet-friendly, non-toxic washable Yellow Daffodil or Pink Ribbon stencil.**

*All services are subject to availability and may not be available at all stores. Pet age, health and vaccination requirements apply. **At participating stores. Colours may vary by salon. Available to dogs 12 weeks and older. Check with your local PetSmart for details and availability.

About PetSmart®
In Canada, PetSmart is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart's passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they, together, can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities. We employ more than 3,600 associates and operate over 123 pet stores across Canada, with seven operating in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel™ dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products, as well as pet-focused services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart® Doggie Day Camp® and pet adoption. PetSmart, together with non-profit PetSmart Charities™ of Canada, invite more than 200 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home. Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated more than 225,000 pets since 1999. The company's portfolio of digital resources for pet parents includes PetSmart.ca, Pet360.com, petMD.com and the askPETMD app. Through these digital platforms, PetSmart offers the most comprehensive online pet supplies and pet care information in Canada. In March 2017, PetSmart launched its Buy a Bag, Give a Meal™ program – for every bag of cat or dog food purchased March 1 – Dec. 31, 2017, PetSmart will donate a meal to pets in need and expects to donate more than 3.6 million meals in Canada in 2017.*

Follow PetSmart on Twitter: @PetSmart and on Instagram: @PetSmart
Find PetSmart on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PetSmartCanada
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*Ends 12/31/17. 5 oz. dog food, 1.5 oz. cat food donated to PetSmart Charities to feed dogs and cats in need. See details at petsmart.ca/giveameal. The actual number of meals donated is based on dog and cat food bags sold. The meal donation estimate is based on historic sales for similar time periods. No guaranteed amount. Rescue Bank and Feeding America will help distribute a large portion of the pet food donation in the U.S

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

SOURCE PetSmart

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