Now through December 24th, PETCO customers can help make a difference for hundreds of pets by purchasing card ornaments for a $1, $5, $10 or $20 donation. Customers donating $20 or more will receive a PETCO Foundation ceramic ornament. Last year's fundraiser generated more than $2.7 million.

Money raised locally stays in the community and region. Each PETCO store selects an animal welfare group and then collects donations on that organization's behalf. Customers can also donate online at PETCO. Additionally, PETCO's pet insurance partner, PetCare Pet Insurance Programs - offered and owned by Pethealth Inc., will donate $5 for each PetCare pet insurance policy activated during the fundraiser.

"Millions of homeless pets in our nation's shelters lose their chance to love because they have been given up for one reason or another. Tree of Hope provides much needed funding to local rescue organizations that provide homeless animals with a second chance to live and love," says PETCO Foundation Vice President and Director Paul Jolly.

PETCO encourages customers to consider adoption before the purchase of any companion animal - even if it's one of the birds, reptiles, or small animals currently offered in PETCO stores. PETCO also encourages anyone looking to give a pet as a gift this holiday season to consider a gift card so that the recipient may choose their next companion animal themselves.