The Pet Pantry supports the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association

APEX, NORTH CAROLINA, DATE, May 1, 2026 — Approximately 6 in 10 U.S. adults will develop some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the next 30 years, according to the latest research undertaken by teams from the American Heart Association. That is why The Pet Pantry is joining the fight against heart disease and stroke by supporting the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all. The Pet Pantry will inspire individuals to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives by participating in the American Heart Association’s fundraising campaign, Life Is Why®. Through the Life Is Why™ campaign, people can give back while shopping by donating at checkout, in-store and online to support the fight against cardiovascular disease.

“At The Pet Pantry, we see every day how much pets improve people’s lives. Research from the American Heart Association showing lower cardiovascular risk among pet owners reinforced what we’ve long believed, healthy pets and healthy hearts go together. Through our Heart & Paws program, our customer’s everyday pet food purchases can help support the fight against heart disease." said Thor Wendland. "This initiative offers our customers a meaningful way to give back and make a difference in their communities while celebrating their own reasons for living healthier, longer lives. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone."

Through its Heart & Paws program, The Pet Pantry will donate 7% of participating customers’ purchases of food, treats, supplements, and supplies to the American Heart Association, giving customers a simple way to support the cause. There is no added cost to customers, no price increase, and no rounding up at checkout; the 7% contribution is funded entirely by The Pet Pantry and transferred to the American Heart Association on a quarterly basis, with progress shared openly with the community. Locally owned and headquartered in Apex, North Carolina, The Pet Pantry has been serving pet parents across the Research Triangle for nearly two decades, delivering premium nutrition to doorsteps in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, and the surrounding communities they’re proud to call home.The Heart & Paws campaign is ongoing, with the goal of generating sustained, everyday support for the Life Is Why campaign, funding research, CPR training, and community health initiatives that bring the region closer to a future of longer, healthier lives for people and pets alike.


"The Pet Pantry’s dedication to the Life Is Why campaign shows how businesses and individuals can come together to create real change in the fight against cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Christopher Kelly, Board President of the Triangle American Heart Association. "Their support will help advance research, expand lifesaving training, and deliver critical resources to communities in need, bringing us closer to a world of longer, healthier lives."

Donations through the Life is Why campaign’s participating retailers—no matter the amount—allow the Association to implement initiatives such as:

• • Fund research that can improve the health outcomes of people experiencing heart disease and stroke

• • Train more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually.

• • Support the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.

To learn more about the Life Is Why campaign and other participating companies, please visit www.heart.org/lifeiswhy.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Apex, North Carolina, The Pet Pantry is a locally owned pet food and pet supply company serving pet parents across the Triangle & Triad.