PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Pet Valu, a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories, will hold its sixth annual Patriotic Pets fundraiser to support the United States War Dogs Association from July 4 to Sept. 11.

Proceeds from the company-wide initiative, which has raised more than $800,000 since 2010, including $404,195 in 2015, have enabled the creation of the association’s prescription drug and Rainbow Bridge Assistance programs.

“The United States War Dogs Association continues to go above and beyond in helping pets that need it the most,” said Joe Dent, vice president and U.S. general manager of Pet Valu. “We are honored to assist them in their work through this fundraising effort.”

Over the two-month fundraiser, pet owners and lovers can participate by purchasing an American flag bandana ($5 each) and by giving a donation of any amount to have their names written on a paper paw and posted in their Pet Valu stores.

The United States War Dogs Association is a national nonprofit that promotes the long history of military service dogs by establishing permanent war dog memorials, educating the public about how these canines have served the United States and supporting veteran dogs after service.

Proceeds from this initiative fund state-of-the-art equipment, transportation for veteran war dogs back to the United States after service, veteran dog adoptions and memorials for fallen four-legged soldiers. They have enabled the creation of the United States War Dogs Association’s Rainbow Bridge Assistance Program, which funds the euthanasia and cremation of retired military, contractor, TSA and Secret Service working dogs, and its free prescription drug program, which provides families of adopted veteran dogs expensive medications crucial for the dog’s health at no cost.

Customers are encouraged to share photos of pets wearing fundraiser bandanas on social media with the hashtag #PatrioticPets.

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