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.