PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 1999--Responding to a call for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), PETsMART opened its doors to families with pets who were seeking shelter as a major ice storm paralyzed Columbia, MD last week.

Because the storm left 70,000 Columbia residents without power last Friday night, many were asked to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in local facilities. However, most shelters do not accept pets, and many families refused to leave theirs behind.

To help the people and animals caught in this dilemma, FEMA called PETsMART and asked if the company would open its local store as a shelter for families with pets in need of a place to stay. PETsMART quickly agreed and arranged for its Columbia, MD store to stay open all night. On short notice, two PETsMART managers volunteered to stay with whomever arrived.

"We are proud to know that when FEMA sought a place where pets and their families would be best taken care of, they reached out to PETsMART," said Doug Lehn, PETsMART operations manager. "We were eager to help because we believe pets are part of the family, and anything we can do help them stay together during difficult times is the right thing to do."

Through their efforts last Friday, PETsMART helped a local family of two hearing impaired parents and two children endure the biter storm safely and warmly in the company of their three dogs and one cat. By all accounts the evening was a success with all members of the family participating in fun and games, even a round of "Go Fish."

"PETsMART is happy that it could provide refuge for a family in need that night and pleased to have been a part of the FEMA effort to help people and their pets get through this trying time," said Lehn.

PETsMART (Nasdaq:PETM), a leading pet superstore chain, operates more than 530 stores in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. For more information, visit the PETsMART Web site located at www.petsmart.com.