 |
|
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Del Monte Pet Products Voluntarily Withdraws Select Pet Treats in Nationwide Recall
On Saturday, March 31st, Del Monte Pet Products announced that it is voluntarily recalling select pet treats and snacks. Of the list of products on the Del Monte recall list, PETCO only carries one item, in less than 400 PETCO stores. There are no other Del Monte treats, biscuits, or wet dog food products included, and no Del Monte dry, wet cat or pouched pet foods subject to this voluntary recall.
PETCO is removing from store shelves all inventory of Del Monte item "Jerky Treats Beef flavor" 11.25 oz from its sales floor, regardless of the date production code.
Consumers who use this specific Jerky Treat Beef flavor should immediately stop feeding their dogs and consult a vet if they have any health concerns about their pets.
Del Monte Pet Products Consumer Hotline 800-949-3799
Del Monte Recall web site
|
|
|
Purina Recalls ALPO Prime Cuts in Gravy
The following article is being carried today by PETCO's internal electronic newsletter.
PETCO is removing from store shelves all cans of ALPO Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food Saturday after Nestle Purina initiated a recall of certain SKUs late Friday. Purina said none of its dry products are involved in this recall.
Although Purina's voluntary recall involves certain Prime Cuts in Gravy SKUs with specific date codes, PETCO is pulling all Prime Cuts in Gravy products regardless of SKU or "best by" dates, according to Merchandise Manager Rick Rockhill, who is coordinating PETCO's recall effort.
"We want customers to be confident that the food we have on our shelves is not involved in any recall activity and is healthy and nutritious for their pets," Rick says.
The ALPO recall has a limited impact on PETCO, since Prime Cuts in Gravy products are available only in about 300 of our stores.
Purina issued the recall overnight Friday after learning that it had received a shipment of wheat gluten containing melamine from the same company that supplied Menu Foods. Wet products manufactured by Menu Foods were recalled two weeks ago.
Consumers who use this food should immediately stop feeding their dogs and consult a vet if they have any health concerns about their pets.
Pet parents whose wet brands are temporarily unavailable for purchase can substitute a dry kibble formula from the same brand, or choose from a wide selection of other wet products available at PETCO, including: Natural Balance, Natural Ultramix, Organix, Nature's Recipe, Eatables, Halo Spot's Stew, AvoDerm.
PETCO customers can find the latest recall information by visiting www.petco.com.
Purina directs consumers to www.purina.com and to its consumer hotline, 800-218-5898, which is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.
|
|
|
Alpo Brand Prime Cuts In Gravy Canned Dog Food Voluntary Nationwide Recall
Sometime after midnight on Saturday morning, March 31st, we received an update from Nestle-Purina that they are voluntarily recalling all sizes and varieties of its ALPO Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food. Here is a portion of the statement from Nestle Purina:
Nestle Purina PetCare Company today announced it is voluntarily recalling all sizes and varieties of its ALPO Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food with specific date codes.
Consumers should immediately stop feeding their dogs ALPO Prime Cuts products with the date codes listed below and consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their pet.
The recalled 13.2-ounce and 22-ounce ALPO Prime Cuts cans and 6-, 8-, 12- and 24-can ALPO Prime Cuts Variety Packs have four-digit code dates of 7037 through 7053, followed by the plant code 1159. Those codes follow a "Best Before Feb. 2009" date. This information should be checked on the bottom of the can or the top or side of the multi-pack cartons.
Less than 300 PETCO stores in the chain carry these Alpo SKUs, and we are communicating this message to stores to remove the SKUs from their shelves.
Pet parents whose wet brands are temporarily unavailable for purchase can substitute a dry kibble formula from the same brand, or choose from a wide selection of other wet products available at PETCO including: Natural Balance, Natural Ultramix, Organix, Nature's Recipe, Eatables, Halo Spot's Stew, AvoDerm.
PETCO cares about the safety of your pet. If you have specific product questions or concerns about this Alpo recall, we are providing the contact numbers for Nestle Purina:
Nestle Purina 800-218-5898
For the full announcement visit http://www.purina.com/
Rick Rockhill
Merchandise Manager
Premium & Specialty Dog Foods
|
|
|
Friday, March 30, 2007
Food Recall Update
In a media briefing this morning, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials discussed the recent recall of certain wet dog and cat food products. The FDA said it has identified a company that received wheat gluten tainted with melamine, the substance now believed to be responsible for pet health issues that led to the recall.
Later today, Hill's Pet Nutrition, maker of Science Diet products, identified itself as the company discussed by the FDA and voluntarily recalled one single product - Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry food. Hill's said that product produced in early 2007 contained tainted wheat gluten. Click here to view a press release issued by Hill's.
PETCO does not carry this Hill's SKU, which is sold only through veterinarians and another pet specialty retail chain.
Consumers can shop at PETCO with confidence that the food they purchase from us is safe, healthy and nutritious for their pets.
Rick Rockhill
Merchandise Manager
Premium & Specialty Dog Foods
|
|
|
Hamster Races this Weekend!
Don't forget our Hamster Ball Derby is this weekend in nearly 850 stores nationwide!
Checkout the cool site on PETCO.com/hamster. One of our stores near phoenix is going to have more than 70 hamsters – that's awesome! I will post pictures next week.
Rachel M.
PETCO San Diego
|
|
|
Monday, March 26, 2007
Recall Summary
This is a confusing time for our customers and pet owners everywhere and I hope that this will help alleviate some of the confusion especially for those pet owners who are just now becoming aware of the Menu Foods pet food recall. Here is a summary of events.
Late in the evening on March 16 we found out that Menu Foods, a firm that manufactures wet dog and cat food formulas for multiple brands, was initiating a voluntary recall of certain products it produced between Dec. 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007. Here is what has happened since:
-We immediately instructed all of our stores to remove the recalled product from our shelves
-We blocked the affected products from being ordered online at PETCO.com and in our stores
-PETCO contacted every dog and cat food vendor to review product line and inquire about safety of every product
-We posted in-store signs with contact numbers for manufacturers associated with recalled products
-We provided detailed information to all of our associates so they can help customers
-We began posting to this site, as well as PETCO.com with helpful recall information
-PETCO.com notified online purchasers of recalled products via e-mail
-PETCO continues to contact each vendor for any possible updates, including possible causes and status of the recalled product.
Friday, March 23, brought some new developments. First, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that scientists at the New York State Food Laboratory identified aminopterin as a toxin present in cat food samples from Menu Foods.
Later that day, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Menu Foods would ask all retailers to remove all recalled product from store shelves - regardless of when those products were manufactured. We immediately directed all our stores to do so. The FDA said this step was a precaution to eliminate any risk that specifically recalled product would mistakenly be sold.
I hope this helps. Please check back here and on PETCO.com for continued updates on the recall.
Rick Rockhill
Merchandise Manager
Premium & Specialty Dog Foods
PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
San Diego, Calif.
|
|
|
Friday, March 23, 2007
UPDATE: PETCO to Remove All Menu Foods Recall Products
Based on new information issued Friday, March 23, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Menu Foods, PETCO is directing all stores to remove from shelves all products subject to the Menu Foods pet food recall - regardless of production code or "best by" date. The move alleviates customer confusion and removes any possibility of customers mistakenly purchasing recalled product.
All PETCO customers can return any product from the recall list even if they do not have a purchase receipt. Stores are expected to have all affected products removed from the shelves regardless of "best by" or production code by the time they open on Saturday, March 24.
A complete list of all affected products available at PETCO stores can be found here. A complete list of Menu Foods products that are part of the overall recall can be found on Menu Food's web site along with a list of frequently asked questions.
Pet parents whose wet brands are temporarily unavailable for purchase can substitute a dry kibble formula from the same brand, or choose from a wide selection of other wet products available at PETCO including: Natural Balance, Natural Ultramix, Organix, Nature's Recipe, Eatables, Halo Spot's Stew, AvoDerm.
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Watch Pets Closely
Last week's recall of select brands of wet cat and dog food manufactured by Menu Foods has left many pet owners worried about the health of their pets. There have been a very limited number of reported cases of pets suffering from kidney failure as a result of eating food subject to the recall, and vets across the country are being flooded with calls from pet owners worried their pets may be affected as well.
All of us at PETCO care about the well-being of all animals and want to provide information for all animal lovers who may be worried about their pets. The most prudent advice I can give to pet owners worried they may have fed their pet one of the recalled foods would be to watch the pet very closely, seek a veterinary advice in case the pet exhibits any unusual symptoms, and select another of the many healthy and nutritious foods we offer at PETCO. Symptoms of kidney failure include:
-Increased or decreased water consumption
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased urination
- Disorientation or coordination problems
- Vomiting
- Weakness or lethargy
Additional information is also available from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Tom Edling D.V.M., MSpVM
PETCO, Director of Veterinary Medicine
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
UPDATE: WET FOOD RECALL
At PETCO, we care about your pet. We want to provide you with updated information regarding the recent Wet Food recall by Menu Foods Inc. It is important to keep in mind that dry food is NOT affected by this recall.
There are specific formulas and sizes of various wet foods that are being recalled.Please refer to the PDFs below to identify your brand and specific formula and size. Depending on the brand, you will look for either a "Best By Date" or a "Production Code" to determine if product needs to be recalled. Only specific items listed that have the codes identified need to be recalled. You may return these products to any PETCO store.
Click here (PDF) for a complete list of PETCO products that are part of the voluntary recall.
The UPC code, also known as a bar code, can be found on the product label. The UPC is the number found underneath the bar code.
How To Read Product Code (PDF)
If you have specific product questions or concerns, we are providing the contact numbers for each vendor as well.
Iams/Eukanuba Customer Care 800-882-1591
Mighty Dog 800-218-5898
Nutro 800-833-5330
Variety Pet Food's Mixables 303-768-8400
Hill's Science Diet 800-445-5777
Pet parents whose wet brands are temporarily unavailable for purchase can substitute a dry kibble formula from the same brand, or choose from a wide selection of other wet products available at PETCO including: Natural Balance, Natural Ultramix, Organix, Nature's Recipe, Eatables, Halo Spot's Stew, AvoDerm.
If you have any questions, please contact PETCO Customer Relations at 888-824-PALS(7257).
We will continue to provides updates to our stores and this web site as additional information is available.
|
|
|
Help for Switching Foods
With the recent wet food recall by Menu Foods Inc, some of your pet's favorite foods might not be available at the moment. PETCO offers a wide variety of other premium, natural and organic wet foods to choose from. If you choose to switch your pet's diet here are some tips to help avoid upsetting your pet's stomach:
-Whenever a change in diet is made, it should be done gradually. Begin by feeding 10% new food and 90% of the old food the first day and then increase 10% a day until 100% is reached.
-If possible, it's best to transition from wet food to wet, dry to dry, or mixture to mixture. The key is to keep the form of the food the same.
-Always have plenty of fresh water on hand
-If your pet refuses to eat the new food in any form, try the transition again. If he still refuses to eat it, try another brand or ask your vet to recommend another diet.
-If your pet needs help adjusting to a new food, we recommend Fresh Digest, by In Clover.
Dr. Tom Edling D.V.M., MSpVM
PETCO, Director of Veterinary Medicine
|
|
|
Monday, March 19, 2007
Fresh Digest® Helps Digestion When Changing Foods
 Changes to a pet's diet can upset the delicate balance of naturally-occurring intestinal bacteria and digestive enzymes. The changes may lead to diarrhea or gas. Mixing the recommended amount of Fresh Digest powder with your pet's new food will relieve the diarrhea and gas that often accompany changes in diet. Within 2-3 days the odor, texture, and color of the feces will improve.
Fresh Digest is a complete formula of prebiotic (FOS), plant enzymes, and no fillers to quickly relieve diarrhea and gas in dogs and cats.
- The pre-biotic, FOS, provides food for the naturally-occurring, healthy intestinal bacteria which help digest food.
- Digestive enzymes help break down food in the GI tract so that nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Contains no fillers, sugar, or preservatives.
Try Fresh Digest for Dogs.
Try Fresh Digest for Cats.
Find Fresh Digest at your local PETCO store.
|
|
|
A Few Notes on Recall
The industrywide recall of certain cans and pouches of wet dog and cat food by Menu Foods has left many pet owners worried if the food they give to their pets is safe.
As a dog and a cat owner, I certainly understand that anxiety.
As a PETCO merchandise manager, I would like to share a few points which may help some pet owners:
- Dry dog and cat food are NOT affected by this recall. We continue to receive phone calls from distraught pet owners who feed their pets dry food. If you are one of them: there is NO reason to worry. - PETCO stores currently ONLY sell foods that have been verified as NOT affected by the recall. - The recall is limited to "cuts and gravy" style pet food in cans and pouches manufactured by Menu Foods between Dec. 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. We carry several other brands of wet dog and cat foods that were not affected by the recall. - All cans and pouches specified by the manufacturer as affected by the recall have been removed from PETCO's shelves and are not available for purchase in our stores.
Rick Rockhill
PETCO San Diego
|
|
|
Friday, March 16, 2007
NEWS ALERT: Dog and Cat Food Canned and Pouch Recall
In response to a nationwide recall initiated Friday by pet food manufacturer Menu Foods, PETCO has directed its stores to discontinue selling certain wet food products for dogs and cats produced by Menu Foods.
Menu Foods announced the voluntary recall after receiving what it said was "feedback in the United States raising concerns" about a small number of animals becoming sick and developing signs of kidney failure.
At PETCO, our first priority is for animal safety, and we are removing from our shelves several brands of wet dog and cat food following a product recall by Menu Foods, a manufacturer of branded pet foods. The Iams and Eukanuba brands have provided specific production lot numbers involved in the recall.
In addition, as a precautionary measure we are pulling from shelves other wet food products that are manufactured by Menu Foods until we receive confirmation of their safety from the manufacturer.
By taking these steps, customers shopping with PETCO this weekend can have full confidence that the food products available for purchase are safe and healthy for their animals.
Menu Foods has updated their Web site with a full list of brand names and lot numbers covered by the recall http://www.menufoods.com/recall Consumers with concerns or questions can call Menu Foods at 1-866-463-6738.
The following brands of canned and wet food will temporarily be removed from sale at all PETCO stores by opening of business on Saturday, March 17th, 2007:
Iams & Eukanuba cans and pouches with lot numbers starting with 6339 through 7073 and Manufacturer code: 4197
For specific questions regarding Iams/Eukanuba products, please call the Iams/Eukanuba Consumer Care Hotline at 1-800-882-1591
As a precaution, PETCO is temporarily also removing the following brands from its shelves for sale until each manufacturer has determined that these products are safe for consumption:
- Mighty Dog Pouches
- Nutro Natural Choice dog cans and pouches
- Nutro Complete Care cat Pouches and 3 oz cans
- Nutro Ultra dog cans
- Nutro Max cat cans and pouches
- Mixables dog pouches
- Hill's Science Diet Savory Cuts cat 3 oz. cans
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Dry Dog and cat food are NOT affected by this recall.
- Other canned food brands not mentioned herein, and available for sale in PETCO stores and http://www.petco.com/ as of Saturday March 17th, 2007 are not affected by this recall and are safe for consumption.
PETCO will take back any product identified as part of this recall and can assist consumers with suitable options to feed.
Pet parents whose wet brands are temporarily unavailable for purBlogger: PETCO News - Edit Post "NEWS ALERT: Dog and Cat Food Canned and Pouch Reca..."chase can substitute a dry kibble formula from the same brand, or choose from a wide selection of other wet products available at PETCO including: Natural Balance, Natural Ultramix, Organix, Nature's Recipe, Eatables, Halo Spot's Stew, AvoDerm.
We will continue to provides updates to our stores and this Web site as additional information is available.
If you have any questions, please contact PETCO Customer Relations at 1-888-824-PALS(7257).
|
|
|
Monday, March 12, 2007
NEW! Video Product Reviews on PETCO.com
Your feedback is important to us!
By rating and reviewing PETCO.com products, you can share your experiences while helping others make decisions about the best products for their needs.
We're proud to announce a new feature - video product reviews!
Now you can reference videos uploaded on YouTubeTM and GoogleTM Video with your product review submission. When writing your product review, just paste the URL of your video and add a caption. Catch your pets in action with their newest PETCO.com products!
Learn more.
|
|
|
Remembering Greyfriars Bobby
 A few years ago some friends and I went on wonderful trip to Scotland. While in Edinburgh, we visited the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the little terrier who loved his guardian so much that following his guardian's death, Bobby stayed devotedly at his grave day and night for 14 years until Bobby himself passed away at age 16. His grave at Greyfriars churchyard is visited by thousands each year.
I heard the story of Greyfriars Bobby for the first time from my mother as a very young child. I had always loved it because it exemplified the remarkable faithfulness of our pets, regardless of whether we deserve their dedication or not. The tombstone at Bobby's grave is eloquent in its simplicity. It says, "Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all."
Our animals provide a true lesson to all of us, of how to treat and care for those we love. They put up with our selfishness and many of them put up with outright neglect or abuse from their owners. Through it all, they still greet us with joy, treasure every moment in our company and stay by our side when everyone else has left us. At moments of loss, our pets often provide our greatest comfort and solace.Their remarkable loyalty and unqualified love demands from us a sense of responsibility for their care, and not just our own pets, but for every other animal who has loved someone, but now finds themselves homeless and alone.
So many wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and other animals have given their love and devotion without hesitation only to later be left behind or deserted. Just like the folks of Edinburgh who cared for Bobby for many years, it rests with us who love animals and appreciate their wonderful qualities to be here for them when they need help.
Your support for the Spring A Pet Fundraiser allows homeless animals to be saved and protected through assistance by local animal adoption groups around the country. In the end, Spring A Pet may be the only safety net they have.
Paul Jolly
Vice President and Director, PETCO Foundation
|
|
|
Friday, March 09, 2007
Hamster Races are here again!
PETCO is hosting a nationwide Hamster Ball Derby on March, 31 at 2 p.m. I am so excited to see this year's turnout, last year more than 14,000 hamsters raced nationwide! If you have never been to a hamster race, you are in for a treat. They actually race down a race track in their hamster balls! And this year, the first place winner in each store will receive the cutest hamster-sized trophy and their very own race track. For more info, check out www.petco.com/hamster. Chelsea J. PETCO San Diego
|
|
|
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Spring A Pet Fundraiser Now Underway
There are thousands of animal shelters across the country filled with dogs, cats and other pets looking to find loving homes. These non-profit organizations not only care for animals until they find new homes, many also provide rescue, medical and counseling services. That is why, each year, the PETCO Foundation's "Spring A Pet" campaign collects funds on behalf of these shelters to help them continue their efforts. Now through Sunday, April 8, PETCO stores nationwide will be collecting donations. The great thing is, donations given at each store remain in the local community! Last year's campaign raised more than $1.7 million!
Why donate:
- Approximately eight million animals will flood animal shelters this year, and roughly four million will come during May, June, July and August as a result of thousands of litters born in the spring
- Four to six million pets are euthanized each year
- On average, it costs a shelter roughly $75 per spay/neuter surgery
- Through generous donations animal welfare organizations are able to charge an affordable adoption fee
 You can help make a difference by purchasing a Spring A Pet donation card for a $1, $5, $10 or $20 donation. If you donate $20 or more will receive a Red Ruff and Blue Mews "Making the Lives of Animals Brighter" decorative candle.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Thank you for making a difference.
Tracie P.
PETCO Foundation
|
|
|
Local Hero Braves Flames
 I was speaking to my Team Lead Sheila on the phone when all at once she blurted out "there's a car fire, I have to go!" When Sheila made it to the front of the store there was a panicked customer that was screaming that her dog was in the car.
An associate dialed 911. The flames were already reaching the sign on the front of our building, when Sheila -- without consideration for her own safety which PETCO does not ever recommend -- opened the front door of the burning car.
The smoke was so heavy she could not see the four-year-old whippet, Charlie, who had wedged himself under the front seat. After getting down on her hands and knees she saw the very scared Charlie who refused to come out. Sheila said at that point the flames began coming through the dash and she had to back away.
Sheila, thinking quickly, grabbed some treats from the bar. By now the flames had reached the front windows of the store. Sheila screamed for everyone to go to the back of the store so they could safely exit, then she ran back outside and opened the rear door of the car where she was able to coax the little dog out with the treats.
 Sheila took the dog back through the now empty store and handed him to a very upset, but grateful customer.
As I arrived, the fire department had just put the fire out. I had to gather information from the owners of the car who told me Sheila was a hero. They also stated they just left Charlie for a moment to go into the store for some quick shopping when, according to the fire department, an electrical problem caused the car to erupt in flames.
We are all very proud of Sheila who has been with us less than a year, but has a 12-year background in animal care. She is a dedicated employee who has demonstrated her passion for animals that saved little Charlie's life. She is a true local hero.
John R.
PETCO Copperfield
|
|
|
Monday, March 05, 2007
Fashion Show -- So Much Fun
 PETCO's first Spring Pet Fashion show was a hit with customers this weekend. It was so much fun. The store I went to had about 25 participants and they were all too cute for words. My favorites of course were the water dragon and the iguana, because I am a huge reptile fan and they really were stunning on the runway!  Wow I heard that our store in Burbank had over 115 participants that's a lot of strutting. Enjoy the pictures. Our next event is the Hamster Ball Derby on March 31 -- Start practicing! Rachel M. PETCO San Diego
|
|
|
|
|
