pets
PetSmart Helps Pet Parents Check Off Bucket List Adventures This Summer
Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Daily News Staff
From new Arcadia Trail outdoor products and safety tips to a chance to win a road trip with your pup, PetSmart is making summer adventure easy
PHOENIX, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Summer is all about travel and checking those must-do adventure experiences off of the bucket list. And this year, pet parents aren’t leaving their pets behind. According to a recent survey* from PetSmart, more than 60% of pet parents believe it is important to bring their dog along on outdoor activities over the summer. Knowing that pet parents have a passion for exploring the great outdoors with their dogs by their side, PetSmart is inspiring dream summer adventures with the new Arcadia Trail Summer Bucket List Contest in which 10 pet parents will win the ultimate road-trip vacation with their dog. PetSmart also is gearing up pet parents with new products from the outdoor-focused Arcadia Trail collection as well as expert tips to help keep pets safe while adventuring. 
Arcadia Trail Summer Bucket List Contest **
As people are dreaming of bucket list adventures to take with their pets, PetSmart surveyed pet parents to see what outdoor activities top their lists. Among the top experiences people want to have with their pets this summer are water activities, camping, hiking and road trips.
PetSmart’s Arcadia Trail Summer Bucket List Contest will give pet parents and their dogs a chance to make their bucket list adventure come true. People are asked to share why it’s important for them to head out on an ultimate road trip with their pup, and PetSmart will choose 10 pet parents and their dogs to receive a fully customized road trip experience along with 100,000 PetSmart Treats reward points and a full suite of merchandise from the 2023 Arcadia Trail collection, available only at PetSmart.
To enter, pet parents can visit AnythingforPets.com now through June 7.
Safety Tips Made for Adventure
To help keep pets and pet parents safe and healthy on their adventures, Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, of PetSmart Veterinary Services, shares tips to keep in mind when planning for outdoor activities, including:
- Go at your pet’s pace. If your dog isn’t accustomed to outdoor adventures, be mindful of how much energy an activity like swimming or hiking can take from them. Keep an eye on them and watch for any signs of distress.
- Stay safe in the water. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, always outfit them with a life jacket when near bodies of water, especially if you’re on a boat or kayak and are far from shore.
- Be mindful of the heat. Just like humans, dogs can experience heatstroke, the symptoms of which can take hours or even days to show up. Watch for signs of distress such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, weakness, increased heart rate, diarrhea or vomiting.
- Keep your pet fueled and hydrated. In the hot summer months, your pet needs extra water, too. Take frequent water and snack breaks to keep pets hydrated and fueled to continue the adventure.
- Pets get sunburned, too. Protect your dog from the sun with regular breaks in the shade and apply pet-safe sunscreen to their noses, ears and other areas where their coat doesn’t cover the skin.
- Have proper identification on your pet. Be sure your dog is wearing a tag on its collar and that the information is up to date in case you get separated. Don’t forget to update the information connected to their microchip as well.
New Arcadia Trail Gear Made for the Outdoors
Having the right gear is critical for any outdoor excursion. PetSmart’s Arcadia Trail collection of adventure-approved dog toys, clothing and gear are tough enough for all outdoor activities, including camping, hiking and water play. New items in the expanded collection include a new Pet Wagon, an Inflatable Dog Raft, a Quick-Dry Dog Harness, a Portable Dog Showerhead and a Waterproof Car Seat Cover, as well as durable dog toys, like the Water-Repellant Canvas Duck Dog Toy and Adjustable Ball Launcher.
For more safety tips, trip inspiration and to enter the Arcadia Trail Summer Bucket List Contest, visit AnythingforPets.com. For more information on the Arcadia Trail collection, as well as PetSmart’s services and ways to shop, visit PetSmart.com.
*Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American pet owners was commissioned by PetSmart on Jan. 4-5, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The PetSmart Arcadia Trail Contest is sponsored by PetSmart LLC. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are 18 years of age or older and the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence as of the date of entry. Begins at 8 a.m. ET on 05/16/23 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 06/07/23. Void where prohibited. Prize package includes: 3 nights’ hotel accommodations, pet-centered activities, Arcadia Trail Gear package, and more. ARV: $5,000. Prize restrictions apply. For complete Official Rules, visit www.anythingforpets.com.
About PetSmart
PetSmart LLC is the leading pet retailer offering products, services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart’s passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so together they can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities.
PetSmart operates approximately 1,660 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. We provide a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products, as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp™ and pet adoption.
PetSmart, PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada work with nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home.
Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated over 10 million adoptions, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.
SOURCE PetSmart
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The Farmer’s Dog is expanding its reach through a new retail collaboration with Walmart, a move that will make its personalized, human-grade dog meal plans available to more pet owners across the United States. According to a corrected press release issued March 24, the company’s service will become available through Walmart.com beginning in April, marking The Farmer’s Dog’s first launch into retail.
The New York-based company says the partnership is designed to increase access to minimally processed dog food at a national scale. By working with Walmart, The Farmer’s Dog aims to connect with millions of dog families who may be looking for alternatives to more heavily processed pet food options. The company has positioned itself as a leader in human-grade pet nutrition, emphasizing meals made to support long-term canine health.
Jonathan Regev, CEO and co-founder of The Farmer’s Dog, said the company was founded on the belief that real food can make a meaningful difference in dogs’ lives. He described the Walmart collaboration as an opportunity to meet pet owners where they already shop and to help more dogs eat better and live healthier lives. Walmart also framed the partnership as part of its broader effort to offer customers products and services for every member of the household, including pets.
Since its founding, The Farmer’s Dog says it has served more than 1 billion meals and helped shift consumer attention toward fresher, less processed nutrition for dogs. The company also pointed to published metabolomics research that it says demonstrates health improvements associated with its meals. With the Walmart launch set for April, dog owners nationwide will soon have another way to access The Farmer’s Dog’s personalized meal plans online.
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Pup-Peroni is giving dog owners a new reason to show off their pets. The brand has teamed up with Walmart to launch the nationwide #BestPup_Contest, a promotion that will give one winning dog the chance to appear on limited-edition Pup-Peroni packaging sold exclusively at Walmart stores and online.
The campaign ties into Pup-Peroni’s broader “Treat the Best to the Best” messaging and turns social sharing into a high-visibility brand moment. Rather than offering a standard giveaway alone, the contest invites pet parents to compete for something more memorable: a spot on real retail packaging.
How the Contest Works
To enter, dog owners must post a photo or video on Instagram or TikTok from a public account and include a one-sentence caption explaining why their dog is the best. Entries must also include the hashtag #BestPup_Contest and tag @PupPeroni and @Walmart.
According to the announcement, entries are being accepted through May 27, 2026. The contest is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., age 18 or older. No purchase is necessary.
What the Winners Receive
The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 Walmart gift card and have their dog featured on limited-edition Pup-Peroni Original Beef Recipe packaging beginning in August at select Walmart locations and online. Five runners-up will each receive a $1,000 Walmart gift card, a year’s supply of Pup-Peroni treats, and custom medals.
The promotion stands out because it blends user-generated content, retail exclusivity, and pet-owner enthusiasm into one campaign. For a brand built around the bond between dogs and their owners, it is a smart way to turn everyday social behavior into a branded experience that feels personal and shareable.
Product and Brand Details
Pup-Peroni says its Original Beef Recipe treats are made with real beef as the first ingredient and slow-cooked for 2.5 hours for a tender texture and rich flavor. The product is available at grocery stores and major retailers, including Walmart.
Since 1984, Pup-Peroni has positioned itself as a craveable dog treat brand focused on bringing dogs and owners closer together. This latest Walmart-exclusive contest extends that identity with a campaign designed to celebrate dogs while driving attention both online and in-store.
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Raw Pet Food Recall Raises Health Concerns Nationwide—Here’s What Pet Owners Need to Know
A pet food recall tied to dangerous bacteria is raising concerns beyond the Northeast, highlighting growing risks associated with raw pet diets. The recall involves products from Raaw Energy, LLC, a New Jersey-based company, after testing revealed contamination with multiple harmful pathogens.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affected products tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Campylobacter jejuni—all of which can cause serious illness in both pets and humans.
Why This Recall Matters Nationwide
Although the recalled products were primarily distributed across Northeastern states, this story has broader implications for pet owners across the United States, including here in Arizona.
Raw pet food diets have grown in popularity in recent years, often marketed as a more natural alternative to traditional kibble. However, veterinary experts and federal agencies have consistently warned that raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
This recall reinforces those concerns, especially as it involves multiple products and several types of harmful bacteria—suggesting potential issues with handling or production safety.
Health Risks for Pets and Humans
One of the most important takeaways from this recall is that it is not just about pet safety—it’s also a human health issue.
- Salmonella and E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal illness
- Listeria can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems
- Campylobacter infections can lead to fever, cramping, and diarrhea
Humans can become infected by handling contaminated pet food, touching contaminated surfaces, or failing to properly wash hands after feeding pets.
Pets May Not Show Immediate Symptoms
Another concern is that pets infected with these bacteria may not show obvious symptoms right away. Even healthy-looking animals can carry and spread bacteria in the home, increasing the risk for owners and family members.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Products Included in the Recall
The recall affects multiple raw pet food products, including chicken, beef, turkey, and salmon blends sold in 2-pound and 5-pound tubes with 2025 date codes.
The wide range of affected products suggests this is not an isolated batch issue, but a broader safety concern.
What Pet Owners Should Do Now
If you feed your pet raw food or have purchased products from Raaw Energy, take the following steps immediately:
- Check packaging and date codes carefully
- Do not feed any recalled products
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food
- Sanitize pet bowls, utensils, and surfaces
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms
An Ongoing Investigation
The FDA has not yet assigned an official classification to this recall, meaning the overall risk level is still under evaluation. Additional updates or expanded recalls could follow as more information becomes available.
For now, experts say this serves as a reminder that while raw pet food diets may appeal to some owners, they come with real and sometimes overlooked risks.
The Bottom Line
This recall is more than a regional issue—it’s part of a growing national conversation about pet food safety. For pet owners, the priority is simple: stay informed, handle pet food safely, and act quickly when recalls are announced.
