PHOENIX, AZ (April 23, 2012) – Phoenix-based PetSmart, Inc., (NASDAQ: PETM) the largest specialty retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets, is now the official corporate partner for the Maricopa County Attorney’s K-9 Victim Support Program. The company’s partnership will provide financial and material support for Sam, a specially trained service dog who provides comfort and assistance to crime victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process. PetSmart Chairman and CEO Bob Moran announced the partnership today by presenting County Attorney Bill Montgomery and other County officials with a check at a luncheon held at the State Capitol to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

“As a Phoenix-based company, we’re honored to support a program that helps our children feel safe and confident,” said Bob Moran, CEO and Chairman of the Board for PetSmart. “Maricopa County’s K-9 Victim Support Program recognizes the positive impact pets can have on children, and PetSmart is excited to be a part of this ground-breaking initiative in our hometown.”

Today’s announcement brought vigorous tail-wagging from Sam, a Golden Retriever-Irish Setter mix, who was originally acquired from a local animal shelter and subsequently trained to become a level III Facility Dog. He works regularly to calm and support children and adult crime victims as they confront the often intimidating and traumatic process of the criminal justice system. Sam’s service has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties in 2010. He was recently appointed to serve as the official ambassador for the Maricopa County Attorney’s crime prevention and youth safety programs and will participate in similar initiatives sponsored by PetSmart.

“We are grateful and delighted to have PetSmart as a partner on our K-9 Victim Support Program, which underscores the commitment of my office to honor the rights of crime victims to be free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice process,” remarked Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “With PetSmart’s support, Sam will proudly continue to provide care and comfort to victims and their families as they walk the sometimes long and difficult road to justice,” he added.

For more information about Sam, visit his Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/SamTheDogsPage.

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