Contact Information: CONTACT: Josh Rangel: 312.729.4168 GolinHarris or Kerry Lyman: 314.982.2094 Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Valerie Christopherson or Robert Bigleman: 949.608.0276 Global Results Communications for go2 Media
Excuse Me... Your Cell Phone Is Barking!: Purina(R) Launches Purina.mobi and go2 Pets(TM), Two Mobile Web Sites Dedicated Entirely to Pets
| Source: Purina
ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - September 11, 2008) - Mobile Internet usage has grown tremendously
in recent years with more than 54 million Americans accessing the Internet
from a mobile device in the past year. By 2012, it is estimated there will
be nearly 92 million mobile Internet users in the United States.(1) Since
mobile Internet users are likely among the 80 million(2) pet owners in the
United States, many may wish to take fun and helpful content regarding
their pets with them while on-the-go. With the launch of mobile Web sites,
Purina.mobi and go2 Pets, sponsored by Purina, the home computer no longer
has pet lovers on a leash. Now anyone with mobile service and a Web-enabled cell phone
can access fun and useful pet information anywhere.
Purina.mobi and go2 Pets allow people and their pets to have fun wherever
they go by helping them locate pet-friendly businesses, keeping them
up-to-date on the latest pet news or providing training tips on demand. If
pet lovers are looking for fun and entertainment at their finger tips, all
they need to do is visit purina.mobi for free(3) ringtones, wallpapers,
games and videos. When searching for dog- and cat-related information, such
as the nearest dog park or pet-friendly restaurant, pet owners can turn to
go2Pets.com as a fast and helpful
resource.
Charlotte Reed, international pet expert and author of "The Miss Fido
Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette: The Definitive Guide to Manners for
Pets and Their People," knows a thing or two about being with her pet
on-the-go. Reed is constantly on the road teaching classes, conducting
lectures or writing her next book or column and understands the importance
of getting timely pet information when not in front of a computer.
"These two mobile Web sites make it easy for pet lovers to access timely
information relating to their furry friend while on-the-go," says Charlotte
Reed. "Purina.mobi and go2Pets.com provide everything pet owners need to
know and all they have to do is reach into their pocket or purse to get
it."
Purina.mobi -- Fun on-the-Run
Purina.mobi is the first mobile Web site created by a pet care company and
the latest in a series of online innovations from Purina. At the dog park,
in the garden or at the vet, pet owners can visit purina.mobi on their
Web-enabled cell phone and learn more about Purina brand pet food to help
decide what is right for their dog or cat. Dog lovers can test their skills
by downloading fun games, including the Incredible Dog Challenge Mobile
Agility game. At the same time, cat owners can get tips about resolving
stress and ideas for feline treats.
In addition, mobile users will be able to make their phones bark and purr
with pet ringtones like the "It's Bacon!" ringtone made famous by the
Beggin'® Strips brand. For cat lovers, they will be able to enjoy the
sweet sounds of the familiar Fancy Feast® Ping.
go2 Pets -- Info On-the-Go
Traveling with pets just got easier. Purina has teamed with go2 Media to
provide pet lovers with all the information they need to make living and
traveling with their pets a worry-free experience. This fast and
mobile-friendly Web site provides pet lovers with the information they want
while on-the-go.
"Working with a world-class brand such as Purina further demonstrates the
mobile Web's presence and future as a viable media channel," said Rob
Adler, CEO of go2 Media. "Our commitment to delivering compelling and
relevant information through the go2 Pets mobile Web site ensures a great
user experience."
In case Fluffy or Fido become ill while a pet owner is on the road, go2
Pets serves as a valuable health and safety resource. Simply enter a zip
code to find information for poison control, veterinarians, police and fire
departments in the area. go2 Pets also provides pet parents with nearby
off-leash parks, pet-friendly accommodations, camping, airlines, kennels,
weather conditions and much more. Pet lovers can visit go2Pets.com, enter
their cell number, choose their carrier and they will receive a text
message with a link to where they will find all the information they need
when traveling with pets.
"Mobile technology plays a significant role in people's daily lives, and in
this on-demand age pet owners are in search of more informative and
engaging pet care content," said Laura Lee, Manager of Interactive
Marketing at Purina. "As the popularity in mobile technology continues to
rise, these innovative mobile Web sites are leading the way and providing
pet owners meaningful content right in the palm of their hands."
Upward Mobility
Both Web sites support the growing trend of people turning to mobile
Internet devices, which is projected to increase in number of users
worldwide at an annual rate of 24 percent.(4) For more information on all
things pets while on-the-go, visit purina.mobi or go2 Pets.
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement
and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global
manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based
Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company.
(1) Source: comScore and The Kelsey Group as cited by Marketing Charts,
September 11, 2007
(2) American Veterinarian Medical Association
(3) Nestlé Purina does not charge any fee to use Purina.mobi or download
any of its content. But your service provider may. Please check with your
service provider to verify your data plan allows for Internet usage and
downloads on your mobile phone. Nestlé Purina is not responsible for any
costs you incur as a result of using Purina.mobi
(4) According to a May 2008 online study conducted by Instant Survey on
behalf of IBM