Banfield Charitable Trust, Banfield Pet Hospital and Royal Canin are asking pet owners and advocates across the US to take the "Pledge to End Pet Hunger" in support of the eighth annual holiday petfood drive. The program, launched on November 29 and running through December 31, raises awareness about pet hunger, collects petfood and raises funds to benefit senior citizen pet owners needing support in the care of their companions.

"Pets play an invaluable role in the lives of people who face difficult life circumstances," said Dianne McGill, executive director and CEO of Banfield Charitable Trust. "It is our hope that people will gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing senior citizen pet owners and how lack of food is contributing to the overcrowding of shelters in every community. Spreading the message and making a donation will enrich and save lives."

Supporters are encouraged to get involved with the annual holiday petfood drive in several ways:

• Take The Pledge To End Pet Hunger: Royal Canin will donate one pound of petfood for every pledge made on facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us.
• Make A Monetary Donation: Make a monetary donation at www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org or at Banfield Pet Hospitals to fund grants for local Meals on Wheels petfood programs. For a donation of US$10 or more, KONG will donate a toy to the pet of a Meals On Wheels client.
• Donate bags and cans of dog and cat food at one of Banfield Pet Hospital's more than 830 locations across the US.

"We are committed to promoting the well-being of cats and dogs, while also helping their owners through this pet food drive," said Dr. Brent Mayabb, corporate affairs director for Royal Canin USA. "Royal Canin is proud to partner with Banfield Charitable Trust and our fan communities to raise awareness of this cause, and in the end, make a significant donation to the Meals on Wheels program."

Royal Canin has committed to making a 30,000 pound petfood donation, and with the help of people who take the pledge, they will donate an additional 20,000 pounds. All petfood donations and 100 percent of all monetary donations will benefit Meals On Wheels petfood distribution programs across the US.