ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On the 20^th anniversary of the hugely popular Chuckit! Launcher, Petmate, the worldwide leader of solutions and excellence in the pet industry providing fun trusted, quality products to enhance the lives of pets and their families, announces the founding of National Fetch Day™ - October 20, 2018.

"This special day is a celebration of the human animal bond, an opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of exercise for our pets, and how the game of fetch offers both," says Chris Wilson, executive vice president of marketing and product development.  "It's the day to get outside and Make Fetch Happen™."

The holiday is set to be observed the third Saturday of October each year as the weather begins to cool and outdoor activity is at its peak.  Petmate is encouraging dogs and their people to share their best fetch photos on social media with #MakeFetchHappen and #NationalFetchDay.

According to Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, exercise and play are key to a healthy pet.  "Just like humans, there is a strong correlation to obesity in pets when they eat more and exercise less. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 50 percent of dogs and cats in this country are overweight or, worse yet, obese. It's important to get your pet up and moving," he says. "Fetch play is a terrific way to increase stamina and keep your pup in shape."

An interactive game of fetch can encourage healthy movement and cardiovascular endurance for pets and pet owners, especially if active play and movement declines during the colder months and "holiday party season."  In addition, fetch is a great way to help train and develop good behaviors in puppies or newly adopted four-legged family members. 

Arlington, Texas-based Petmate kicks off the inaugural National Fetch Day with a special event at the Fort Woof Dog Park in nearby Fort Worth, Texas.  Local pets and their families are invited to enjoy activities including fetch games, dog toy prizes, food trucks, face painting for kids, and much more. 

The company's newly appointed CFO – Chief Four-legged Officer – Charlie (@puppynamedcharlie) a six-year-old fetch-fanatic Doodle rescue, will be celebrating at New York City's Human's Best Friend Pop-Up for Dogs and Dog Lovers with a special meet-up for her four-legged friends.  Petmate is partnering with Human's Best Friend in this sharable experience for dogs and humans who love them.  The company is donating a variety of Chuckit! ® and JW® toys and Fat Cat® plush valued at more than $10,000 for distribution to the dozen local rescue organizations working with Human's Best Friend.

Chuckit! offers a broad range of products for fetch play including a variety of the ergonomic launchers that feature the brand's signature slobber-free pick up, colorful balls designed for durable play and featuring breathable and trackable versions, as well as aerodynamic flight discs including a newly designed option featured in 3D for easier pick-up.

This year, the brand introduces yet another new way to "Make Fetch Happen" with the Chuckit! RingChaser™.  It's the ultimate chase & fetch toy featuring the new UltraRing™.  With unique topspin infused action, it satisfies a dog's natural chase instinct as it bounces erratically, zigs and zags and hops on the ground for engaging action.  And just like the original, it features a long, ergonomic handle with an easy pick up head for slobber-free play.

About Petmate
Founded in 1963, and headquartered in Arlington, Texas, Petmate is passionate about providing fun, trusted quality products worldwide to enhance the lives of pets and their families. The company's vision, to be the worldwide leader of solutions and excellence in the pet industry, encapsulates its commitment to deliver award-winning, innovative ideas daily to each of its product categories including bedding, kennels, dog houses, feeding and watering products, litter maintenance products, toys, collars, leads, travel, and more. Petmate's portfolio of pet, family-favorite brands include Aspen Pet®, Brandon McMillan, Chuckit!®, Dogzilla®, Fat Cat®, Jackson Galaxy®, JW®, and LA-Z-BOY®.  For more information, visit petmate.com.

Contact:
Ellie Bagli ebagli@freemanpr.com 
Maria Habermann mhabermann@freemanpr.com 
Freeman Public Relations
973-470-0400, x17/ x13

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SOURCE Petmate