As tough economic times force more and more pet owners to surrender their animal companions to shelters, the PETCO Foundation is launching a new fund to support local programs that help keep pets where they belong - with their families.

The "We Are Family, Too" fund provides short-term funding for animal welfare groups to help pet owners who have lost their homes or are experiencing temporary financial hurdles. We Are Family, Too funds such programs as pet food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet-friendly housing, short-term foster pet care, spay and neuter services, and veterinary services.

Animal welfare groups can apply for We Are Family, Too grants of up to $2,500 by clicking on the PETCO Foundation link on www.petco.com.

Pet parents nationwide can also help by purchasing PETCO reusable shopping bags, which sell for $1.99 at all PETCO stores and at www.petco.com - with $1 of the purchase price funding the We Are Family, Too program.