AMERICA’S VETDOGS® Adds Two Licenses in Pet Category

NEWS RELEASE
AMERICA’S VETDOGS® Adds Two Licenses in Pet Category

(July 5, 2012 — New York, NY) America’s VetDogs® – the Veteran’s K-9 Corps® is proud to announce it has secured two new licensees for dog products: Toys with licensee Ethical Products; and rawhide, biscuits and jerky with Pet King. Both licenses were initiated and finalized by MODA Licensing, Inc.

Ethical Products, Inc., a multi-generational, nationally recognized manufacturer of companion animal pet supplies will develop a licensed program under the America’s VetDogs® name for toys made of durable rubber, rugged nylon, stuffed plush toys, canvas, rope and TPR. America’s VetDogs® licensed products by Ethical Products will ship First Quarter 2013.

Pet King Inc. license agreement with America’s VetDogs® includes rawhide, jerky and biscuits (made in the USA). Product will be in the market for fourth quarter 2012.

The targeted channels of distribution are: pet specialty, mass retailers, supermarkets, farm and Ag stores, military PXs, direct mail and e-commerce. According to Michelle Alfandari, president/CEO of MODA, “The notion that consumers can purchase quality dog products while supporting America’s military heroes is a strong differentiator that will resonate with all dog owners, including members of the military, veterans, their families and friends.”

Alfandari continues, “A portion of the proceeds from the sale of America’s VetDogs® products will go back to America’s VetDogs® to help raise, train and match assistance dogs to our American heroes at no charge to the soldier. This support for our heroes is already proving to be a success with the strong performance of the first VetDogs® licensed product – America’s VetDogs Dog Treats — licensed by Bil-Jac Foods.” Existing distribution includes Walmart, Home Goods, Petco, Wegmans and independent retailers.

The expertise of America’s VetDogs, combined with that of Ethical Products, Inc., and Pet King for high-quality, creative and well-priced products is a major win for retailers and consumers.

Jonathan Zelinger, president of Ethical Products, Inc., states, “We are excited to be adding the America’s VetDogs® brand to our product line of leading, high-quality dog toys. We were searching for the correct, cause-related license to develop. The fact that we can contribute to the noble effort of providing service dogs to our military heroes is an honor that fits right in with our company’s objectives and mission. We are committed to a long-term and rewarding relationship with America’s VetDogs®.”

“Pet King will work with America’s VetDogs® experts to make sure this collection meets their rigorous quality standards,” says Roy Pomerantz, CEO of Pet King, Inc. “Through our Baby King division we are already a leading supplier of infant products, so we understand the need for quality and safety to be our top priority – in fact, many of the products we will be producing under the VetDogs® brand will meet the same quality and safety standards mandated for baby products.”

Wells Jones, CEO of America’s VetDogs® declares, “We are delighted to welcome Ethical Products, Inc., and Pet King as our newest licensees. Consumers and retailers have been very receptive to these products that help to support our mission of providing assistance dogs to veterans with disabilities. There is tremendous excitement in our social media channels about these products. The VetDogs® experience is a dynamic and successful one.”

“We welcome Ethical Products, Inc. and Pet King to the America’s VetDogs® family of products, joining Bil-Jac, our licensee for America’s VetDogs® Dog Treats, and we are certain the brand will drive traffic and call consumers to action,” adds Scott Todd, SVP Business Development at MODA.

Other targeted products include: crates & kennels, dog food, dog beds, flea & tick, leashes & leads, collars, training, publishing, plush toys for kids market; apparel, and more.

About America’s VetDogs®

America’s VetDogs is a not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. (est. 1946). VetDogs helps disabled veterans, and active military personnel, to live again with dignity and independence – whether they are visually impaired or have other disabilities – by providing guide dogs, service dogs, physical and occupational therapy dogs, and combat stress control dogs to serve with overseas.

About Ethical Products, Inc.

Ethical Products, Inc. is a privately owned company that was established in 1951. Their Bloomfield, NJ, facility serves as its distribution center and corporate offices and employs 50 people. Ethical Products is focused on providing quality products for dog and cats. They market products under the SPOT brand, which includes dog and cat toys, dishes, waste management products and other dog and cat accessories. Their Fashion Pet division markets a complete line of dog apparel. Throughout the years, Ethical Products has won prestigious new product awards at the Global Pet Exposition show. They strive to provide pet owners and their pets with the absolute best consumer value and customer service in the pet industry while never losing sight of quality, innovation, safety, honesty and humanity.

About Pet King, Inc.

Pet King, Inc., is committed to provide safe, innovative, quality pet products. Pet King products are inspired by pets, pet owners and veterinarians, and the company offers over 300 products to the largest retailers in the US. Its palletized, fully automated 200,000 square foot facility highlights its commitment to customer service. Pet King is one of the fastest growing companies in the pet category.

About MODA Licensing, Inc.

A global business development agency established in 1988, MODA is a leader in using intellectual property to add value and build businesses from brands, trademarks and technology across diverse industries and retail channels. Using licensing, cause marketing, strategic alliances, sales and acquisition, MODA works on behalf of its clients or in partnership with IP owners. Headquartered in NYC with Global Associates worldwide, MODA offers a full range of services including consulting. Proven methodology has resulted in enduring and profitable brand and line extensions for IP owners including Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, sports events, publishing, hospitality and celebrity delivering incremental revenue and market share, protecting intellectual property and enhancing core business.
www.pixelelves.com/moda

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