PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Pet Valu, a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories, raised $404,195 during its annual fundraiser for the United States War Dogs Association, a national nonprofit that promotes the long history of military service dogs, establishes permanent war dog memorials and educates the public about the invaluable service of these canines to the United States.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will provide the United States War Dogs Association with state-of-the-art equipment, fund transportation for veteran war dogs back to the United States after service, help find forever homes for veteran war dogs and memorialize fallen four-legged soldiers. Pet Valu presented a check to Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association, at its sixth annual manager’s conference in Atlantic City last month.

“We are thrilled with the community’s response to the fundraiser,” said Joe Dent, vice president and U.S. general manager for Pet Valu. “We raised more this year for the United States War Dogs Association than the previous four years combined. Our partnership with U.S. War Dogs is very special and we look forward to this fundraiser each year.”

From July 4 to Sept. 13, customers could purchase American flag pet bandanas for $5 each or give a donation of any denomination to have their names posted on paper paws in their local Pet Valu stores. The fundraiser was originally scheduled to end on Patriot Day, Sept. 11, but Pet Valu kept the fundraiser open through the weekend due to the high demand from customers to donate to the United States War Dogs Association.

Including this year’s total, more than $800,000 has been raised for the United States War Dogs Association since the fundraiser’s inception in 2010. The money has enabled the creation of the United States War Dogs Association’s free prescription drug program for veteran war dogs, many of which require multiple expensive prescriptions after service.

“We sincerely appreciate the money and awareness Pet Valu has raised for our organization over the years,” said Aiello. “Thank you to Pet Valu’s loyal customers who donated toward our cause.”

For information, visit www.us.petvalu.com.