Banfield, The Pet Hospital(R) Receives 'Friendship Award' From Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colo.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Banfield, The Pet Hospital® received the 2009 "Friendship Award," from the Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colo. on Friday, Oct. 23. The Dumb Friends League is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of Pets through providing humane care to abandoned Pets, rescuing injured Pets, adopting out abandoned Pets and educating the public about the needs of companion Pets. The Friendship Award honors individuals or organizations who contribute specifically to the League's mission of increasing awareness of companion Pet issues.

"It is very important for our practice to collaborate with outstanding organizations such as the Dumb Friends League as we work together to improve the lives of Pets and families," said John Payne, Banfield's president and chief executive officer, who accepted the award on behalf of Banfield at the Oct. 23 banquet. "It's an honor to receive this award for doing what we love--making a difference in the lives of Pets."

The long-standing relationship between Banfield and the League includes Banfield's recent donation of a mobile surgery suite which allows the League to provide better quality of medicine to the Pets under its care. The League also participates in Banfield's annual Industry Summit and is a member of Banfield's Shelter Advisory Board, which was formed in 2005 to help facilitate collaborative work on issues that affect shelter Pets as well as the broader animal welfare community. Banfield's ongoing support of the League supports its effort to continually improve the lives of Pets, as well as communication with Pet-related agencies and the Pet care industry.

"Our partnership with Banfield is an important part of our ability to care for the Pets and people we serve and we are honored to bestow the Friendship Award to their practice," said Robert Rohde, president of the Dumb Friends League. "Banfield's dedication to helping Pets live healthier, happier lives is commendable--the lives of countless Pets have been greatly improved because of their commitment to helping us further our mission."

The League specifically names John Payne, Jeannine Taaffe, Banfield's senior vice president of sales and marketing and Scott Campbell, former president and CEO of Banfield, as those who have been particularly instrumental in forming and cultivating Banfield's support of the League's mission.

About Banfield, The Pet Hospital
Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield has become the largest Pet general veterinary practice in the world, with more than 750 hospitals in neighborhoods across the United States. More than 2,000 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving Pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for Pet and extended operating hours. Banfield is the only veterinary practice in the world with an extensive quality assurance program. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of Pets each year through our Optimum Wellness Plans. For journalists seeking more information, please visit our press room at http://www.banfield.net/press-room or contact our Media Hotline at 888-355-0595 (no sales calls, please).

    Media Contact:
    Christine Antles
    christine.antles@banfield.net; 503-922-5698
    Banfield, The Pet Hospital® Media Hotline, 1-888-355-0595