Choosing a launch date for Pet Club International, a new, value-driven online community for pet owners, was an easy decision: National Pet Week! Pet Club International was created to be a partner to pet owners -- more than 69.1 million households in the U.S. own a pet -- in delivering products, services and resources from around the world.

Built around a mission of service -- to be the world's most innovative leader in delivering unparalleled value to pet owners and pet lovers -- Pet Club International's goal is to become the premier, "One-Stop e-Shop" resource center for "everything pets" and a true value partner to its members.

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) estimates that 2007 pet industry sales, in the U.S. alone, will top $40 billion. PCI's goal is to support pet owners by leveraging their collective buying power to deliver an enhanced and ever-improving benefits package that will not only harness the strength that comes from numbers but also align members in a genuine community.

"When we researched what pet owners need and want, we learned that pet insurance and pet wellness programs were a high priority," said Mona Gambetta, founder of Pet Club International. "Pet owners told us that they found existing options confusing and costly ... and that became one of our first priorities in creating the value package for Pet Club members."

Alliances with major pet retailers, including Phoenix-based PetSmart, 1-800-PetMeds, Sharper Image, Amazon.com and dozens of other product and service companies allow PCI to provide a diverse, robust and compelling value proposition for its members. PCI is also forging relationships with pet food manufacturers and industry associations.

"The real beauty of PCI is that it can grow and evolve into whatever type of community and organization will best serve its members. We have a vision and a plan, certainly, but it's only as good as its ability to deliver what our members want," Gambetta said. "When we talked about how we could serve and support a large segment of the worldwide marketplace who were passionate about what they loved ... pets was the most exciting arena."

The next step was determining what pet owners value most. Gambetta's research uncovered two key facts: The pet industry is growing at an incredible rate and, while there are myriad websites that feature information, resources and products for pets and pet owners, there was no international "clearinghouse" -- no single portal that did it all. That's when the vision of Pet Club International began to take shape. Gambetta and her launch team discovered ways to connect with and serve the pet world while harnessing the collective buying power of pet owners in ways that will make PCI a true partner.

Pet owners who join PCI will enjoy a benefits package that includes special value packages and discounts on pet insurance and pet wellness programs, savings on pet medications and food, gifts, books and other products, travel tips and discounts, a monthly newsletter, a MyPetSpace homepage with blogs and forums, tips from PCI's team of experts for Dear Tabby and Dr. PHiDo -- as well as a package of Welcome Gifts -- that are valued at nearly $200. Annual membership, at 2007 charter rates, is $39.95 -- a $10 discount off the regular annual membership plan. Monthly membership options are also available.

PCI is also committed to supporting the pet industry, including pet product manufacturers, service companies and industry associations. In addition to providing research, marketing, sales support and sales promotion, PCI will review new products, post product reviews and survey members about trends and products.

"We were drawn to both the power of pets and the potential of the industry," said Gambetta, who has owned a public relations firm and advertising agency in the Valley for more than 20 years.

Gambetta is quick to point out she knows only too well that having a great idea is only the beginning; the key to success is communicating the message. A fun and viral component of Pet Club is PCI Points where members earn gifts by sharing the PCI community and benefits with family and friends.

"Pets enrich our lives in so many ways," she said, "We could not have chosen a more relationship-rich community to serve." PCI shares the passion that pet owners have for their pets -- and celebrates it!

For more information on Pet Club International, visit www.petclubintl.com or call 1-866-PCI-6010.

About National Pet Week

National Pet Week, launched in 1981, is a joint effort by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA.

Source: Pet Club International

Web site: http://www.petclubintl.com/