SAN DIEGO, June 9, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guinness World Records® Officials will be at PETCO Park's annual "Dog Days of Summer" event to count dogs, as PETCO attempts to set the world record for most dogs at a professional sporting event. The record setting attempt will take place during the Wednesday, July 27, 2011 7:05 pm game as the San Diego Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. To help encourage attendance of pets and their parents, tickets will be free of charge to accepted applicants courtesy of PETCO.
An official Guinness World Records® representative will be in attendance to verify the record and share the result with attendees by the end of the night. Last year's sellout event was open to 500 dogs. However, this year the event has been expanded to allow up to 750 dogs to participate and become part of history.
"Last year's event was our biggest and best yet, which is why we are excited to set the record for the most dogs at a professional sporting event," says Greg Seremetis, Vice President of Marketing for PETCO. "At PETCO we are passionate about having our dogs active in all aspects of our life and thanks to our partnership with the San Diego Padres, this includes inviting hundreds of dogs out to the ballpark."
Dogs will also have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game "tail" gate party and an on-field pet parade, where prizes will be awarded to costumed dogs in a variety of categories. Once the game has commenced, dogs and their parents are invited to cheer on the Padres from the "Park in the Park" area, which will be closed off to all fans not participating in the "Dog Days of Summer" event. In the spirit of PETCO's commitment to "Think Adoption First," local shelters will be in attendance to educate the public on the importance of pet adoption and help find pets a loving home.
Applications to attend the event are available at all 22 San Diego-area PETCO and Unleashed by PETCO locations while supplies last. They are also available to download from www.petco.com/petcopark and all applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. PETCO will oversee the application and ticketing process, as well as provide animal care staff on the day of the event. In order to participate, all dogs must show proof of current vaccinations and all applications must be submitted by June 20, 2011.
For more information, please visit www.petco.com/petcopark.
About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 6,500 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
CONTACT:
Mia West
619.501.2756
mwest@west-pr.com
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