Petco works social media for new contest

SAN DIEGO — Petco is leveraging social media to engage existing customers, entice new ones and, as part of its mission statement, help out shelters in need with its “Be a Great One” contest.

Participants are asked to create a short video or essay that explains why they are a great one — that is, a great pet parent — and submit it on Petco’s Facebook page or dedicated landing page for consideration.

Petco will select five winners who will each receive a cash prize, including a grand prize winner, who will win $50,000, as well as a matching donation of $50,000, which will go to the rescue organization of his or her choice.

As a means of encouraging people to participate in the contest, Petco is holding one of its National Adoption Weekends, from August 10-11, giving people a chance to go adopt a new pet before the contest comes to a close on August 25.

Bayer will be sponsoring Petco's National Adoption Weekend and plans to give those who adopt a pet a free flea prevention starter kit, while supplies last, as well as coupons to use on their next purchase of K-9 Advantix II for dogs or Advantage II for cats and/or dogs.

Pet adoption times vary across the nation, so those interested in attending one are encouraged to go to petco.com/adoptions for times.

Petco operates more than 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $110 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, the retailer works with and supports thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.