Products and Education Will Focus on Fish, Reptiles, Birds, Small Pets
PHOENIX (Oct. 17, 2013)—National Geographic, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, and PetSmart® (NASDAQ: PETM), the largest specialty pet retailer in North America, today announced a partnership for an extensive line of new products to launch in spring 2014. Offering pet parents a deeper connection to the natural world, the products will initially focus on specialty pets: fish, reptiles, birds and small pets.
The new National Geographic-branded products, including habitats, accessories and food, will be sold exclusively by PetSmart in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. National Geographic’s net proceeds will support the conservation of animals and their habitats.
National Geographic will contribute its expertise and provide educational content for pet parents, including information on pet diets, habitats and natural behaviors. The products will be simple to use and will be complementary to the pets’ natural environments.
“Pets play an important role in inspiring people to learn about animals and their natural environments,” said Terry Garcia, executive vice president of National Geographic Mission Programs and president of Licensing. “Through this partnership, National Geographic will combine its extensive research with PetSmart’s deep commitment to pets and offer products that create fun, educational experiences for people and families who love pets.”
“National Geographic’s trusted reputation will enhance our customers’ experiences with fish, reptiles, small animals and birds in a new and authentic way,” said PetSmart CEO David Lenhardt. “Whether it’s a habitat designed for better viewing or access to research about the animals’ lives in the wild, we hope to bring our pet parents new information and closer relationships with their pets.”
The National Geographic collection adds to PetSmart’s growing list of exclusive products that includes Martha Stewart PetsTM, Toys“R”Us Pets®, Bret Michaels Pets Rock™ and GNC Pets®.
About PetSmart
PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 52,000 associates and operates more than 1,301 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 196 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp SM day care services and pet adoption services. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities®, PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 5 million pets since 1994. PetSmart Charities, Inc. and PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc. (“PetSmart Charities”) are independent, nonprofit organizations that save the lives of homeless pets and reduce shelter intake through spay/neuter efforts. In 2012, nearly 450,000 dogs and cats found homes through the organization’s adoption centers in all PetSmart stores and by sponsoring community adoption events. PetSmart Charities is the leader in granting money to help pets in need, with more than $28 million given in 2012 throughout North America.
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About National Geographic
Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the member-supported Society offers a community for members to get closer to explorers, connect with other members and help make a difference. The Society reaches more than 450 million people worldwide each month through National Geographic and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.