PetFoodDirect.com Acquires ThePetCenter.com

Pet food and supply retailer PetFoodDirect.com acquired ThePetCenter.com, an Internet animal hospital.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Under the terms of the agreement, ThePetCenter.com will remain a separate site, but will be linked and co-branded with PetFoodDirect.com.

T.J. Dunn Jr., a veterinarian who founded ThePetCenter.com in 1997, will serve as director of veterinary services for the combined organization, which is positioning itself to become a major player in the fast-growing Internet pet products market segment.

"The additional resources and expertise we have gained from this transaction will enable us to introduce many exciting new programs to our customers in the future," said Jon Roska Jr., chief operating officer for PetFoodDirect.com.

"Our goal is to build more and more content into our site to make every customer's visit a rewarding and enjoyable experience."

Dunn originally created his Internet animal hospital to give animal owners a place to get sound pet healthcare advice 24 hours a day.

He structured the site to offer visitors a virtual tour of a real animal hospital, with potential stops at the Waiting Room, Exam Room, Surgery Room, X-ray Room, and Lab/Pharmacy, among others. He has also included photos of various surgical procedures and pet disorders.