NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal lovers can support pets in need at more than 50 local animal shelters across the U.S. this holiday season by donating to the Best Friends Pet Care Animal Angel Tree campaign.

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For the 12^th year, Best Friends Pet Care (www.bestfriendspetcare.com), the leading pet care services company in the U.S., is collecting donations for local shelters and rescues.  Each of the 42 pet care centers has an Angel Tree in its lobby with paper ornaments featuring photos and information about dogs and cats waiting for forever homes.

Pet lovers are invited to visit or call a Best Friends location to select a dog or cat from the tree and donate to the wish list on its card. The program runs through December 31 with deliveries being made to the shelters throughout the holiday season. Best Friends supplements donations with food and other supplies.

"Holiday season can be challenging for local shelters in the best years," says Renee Coughlin, Vice President of Marketing, Best Friends Pet Care. "This year, Hurricane Sandy has put an even bigger burden on shelters – not just along the east coast, but across the country – because so many lost and abandoned pets need help.  We know our Angel Tree program will make a difference for many pets in need." 

Beneficiaries range from large shelters like the Morris Animals Refuge in Philadelphia and the Sacramento SPCA and to small rescue groups like Sweet Paw Rescue in Massachusetts and Pawfest Match Rescue in North Carolina.

Since it began in December 2000, the Best Friends Pet Care Angel Tree campaign has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of food, toys and pet care products to more than 100 different shelters and rescues across the U.S. -- and dozens of pets have found new homes in time for the new year.

About Best Friends Pet Care
Best Friends Pet Care Inc. (www.bestfriendspetcare.com) offers customized care for dogs and cats -- including boarding, daycare, grooming and training – all under one roof.  The pet care services industry leader for more than 20 years, Best Friends operates 42 pet care centers in 18 states and is the exclusive pet care provider for Walt Disney World^® Resort.

SOURCE Best Friends Pet Care Inc.