The Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation announced grant investments totaling $2.35 million to support pet cancer research and treatment initiatives.

Coinciding with the launch of the seventh annual Pet Cancer Awareness Month, this latest slate of grant funding brings the total amount invested to $9 million since the Petco Foundation, in partnership with Blue Buffalo Foundation, began raising support for their pet cancer initiative in 2010.

"With cancer being the number one disease-related cause of pet death, this is an issue which truly hits home for a number of pet families," said Susanne Kogut, executive director of the Petco Foundation. "This year, we are particularly encouraged by the inspiring work that our grant recipients are doing at universities, research centers and foundations across the country to help support pets and families impacted by this disease."

"As we enter our seventh year of partnership with the Petco Foundation, we are excited about our collaborative efforts to benefit pet cancer research and treatment initiatives," said David Petrie, president, Blue Buffalo Foundation. "We look forward to working with top veterinary schools and leading animal welfare organizations to help eradicate pet cancer."

This year, $1.75 million of funding will go towards pet cancer research efforts underway at the Morris Animal Foundation, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the Animal Cancer Foundation.

As a true testament to the bond we share with our companion animals, some of these research initiatives will provide broader context for the way we approach cancer treatments in human patients.

"The Penn Vet Shelter Canine Mammary Tumor programme helps save homeless dogs with mammary tumors while at the same time advancing research on mammary tumors and breast cancer to benefit both dogs and women with this disease," said Dr. Karin Sorenmo, Professor, Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "Mammary tumors in dogs and breast cancer in women represent a major cause of illness and premature death in those affected throughout the world. Only through research can we change this, and this generous investment from the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation will help further our efforts to the benefit of families impacted by cancer."

Moreover, $1.05 million is being invested as part of a multi-year university partnership to support pet cancer treatment initiatives. Through the establishment of a "Petco Foundation & Blue Buffalo Foundation Cancer Treatment Support Fund," each of the universities will be able to provide subsidized support for cancer treatments for pets whose owners would not otherwise be able to afford the cost of treatment.

The universities are: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine; NC State College of Veterinary Medicine; Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

The support to these universities, along with other recipients including Riedel and Cody Fund, Magic Bullet Fund and FACE Foundation, has the potential to help treat animals suffering from cancer and save them. Another grant recipient, Pet Partners, will utilize the funds to provide subsidized support for cancer treatment for pets who have served others as therapy animals.

At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we've invested more than $150 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programmes, spay/neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives.

With more than 50 years of service to pet parents, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy.

The Blue Buffalo Foundation was established in 2003 by Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. a manufacturer of natural dog and cat foods under the BLUE brand names. Finding a cure for pet cancer is one of the top priorities for Blue Buffalo because its founders have had very personal experience with this disease.

Blue Buffalo, located in Wilton, CT, is the nation's leading natural pet food company, and provides natural dog food, natural cat food and treats under its BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics, BLUE Freedom and BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet lines.