Apple Pay Launches At Petco Allowing Pet Parents To Pay Securely In Seconds

Petco is Among the First National Retailers to Support Apple Pay Transactions

San Diego, CA /PRNewswire/ - Petco today announced Apple Pay is available for use at all of its more than 1,300 Petco and Unleashed by Petco retail locations. Petco is among the first national retailers to support transactions using this new form of payment. Available nationwide at Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores, Apple Pay will transform mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way for pet parents to pay for goods and services.

"We're pleased to be among the first retailers to offer Apple Pay technology to our customers," said Jim Myers, Petco CEO. "We're constantly striving to make the lives of pet parents easier and their pets' lives healthier. While we know our customers enjoy spending time in our stores, we also know their time is valuable. Making transactions faster and easier through Apple Pay will help make our store experience better and allow pet parents to get back to what's important – spending time with their pets."

Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores have offered customers the opportunity to use mobile technology to complete transactions wirelessly since 2012. Known as "Tap and Pay," the system allows certain credit cards and mobile devices to use Near Field Communications (NFC) technology to send a customer's payment information without swiping a card. Thousands of Tap and Pay transactions are completed in Petco stores each week at more than 1,300 Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores nationwide.

Apple Pay will work with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch, upon availability. Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their credit and debit cards. Transactions completed through Apple Pay allow customers to safely store credit cards on the iPhone and authorize payments through their device. Through mobile wallet technology, customers can pay for purchases by holding their iPhones close to a sensor at the cashier. The transaction can be completed in seconds, allowing customers to move more quickly through the line.

Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you add a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code, instead of using the security code from the back of your card.

For more information about Petco or to find a location near you, visit petco.com. For more information on Apple Pay, visit: http://www.apple.com/apple-pay/

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; 10 Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.