Donation offers a lifeline to pets in need

Hundreds of needy animals will be provided with a secure future thanks to a donation of over £320,000 presented to The Blue Cross pet charity by retailer Pets At Home.

The huge sum was raised by the fundraising efforts of staff and customers at all 192 Pets At Home stores across the UK. Pets At Home chief executive, Matt Davies presented the donation to John Rutter, Blue Cross chief executive at Crufts 2007.

Vanessa Rossiter, corporate fundraiser at The Blue Cross said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the staff and customers of Pets at Home.  It is their enthusiasm and commitment to the relationship that has generated this amazing amount of money and enabled The Blue Cross to reach out to many more pet owners across the UK.”

Matt Davies, from Pets At Home said: “We are really proud to be supporting such a worthwhile charity as the Blue Cross; it is one which is close to our hearts. All credit to our staff and customers who were 100 per cent behind the effort.”

The Blue Cross was Pets at Home’s charity of the year between August 2005 and January 2007. It costs The Blue Cross approximately £15 million a year to provide care for sick and homeless animals, with the average stay in kennels for a homeless dog costing over £400. The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations.

Pets at Home offer products, tips and advice to keep owners and pets happy and harmonious. From specialist pet food to toys and training aids, there is everything in store a pet owner could wish for and more. There are over 192 Pets at Home stores across the UK. To find your nearest store and for further information log onto www.petsathome.co.uk.

Media contact: Sam Roberts
Direct line: 0207 932 463
Mobile: 07860 519 716

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Pictures for the presentation are attached: L to R Luke Mayhew, Pets at Home, Blue Cross chief executive, John Rutter, and Pets at Home general manager, Matthew Davies.

Pets at Home offer great products, tips and advice to keep you and your pet happy and harmonious. From specialist pet food to toys and training aids, there is everything a pet owner could wish for and more.

There are over 192 Pets at Home stores across the UK. To find your nearest store and for further information log onto www.petsathome.co.uk