PICKERING -- City staff said thank you to several area businesses that have stepped up for pets with its Pawsitive Partners Awards.

During a council meeting on Dec. 12, Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan presented awards to Invisible Fence of Durham Region, the Dog Pad, PJ's Pets and Pet Valu's Karen Sloan.

"We know it's not every day that these organizations are recognized for their hard work and dedication," said Lindsey Narraway, supervisor, Animal Services for the City of Pickering. "We wanted to share our appreciation with the rest of our community."

Invisible Fence was recognized for its contribution of pet oxygen masks for Pickering's fire trucks. Each kit contains reusable masks sized for animals, since animals are also susceptible to health risks posed by a fire.

Ms. Sloan and Pet Valu were recognized for their ongoing support of Pickering's animal shelter. In addition to acting as a satellite facility for cat adoptions for the city, Pet Valu has collected thousands of dollars worth of food and merchandise for City animal shelters through donation bins and was the first store to sell animal licences.

Since 2009 the City has run its animal shelter at the Dog Pad facility. It will be opening a new City-owned animal shelter in 2012, and awarded a Pawsitive Partners award to the Dog Pad in recognition of the facility's support and generosity in housing the animal shelter for the past few years.

The City's newest community partner, PJ's Pets, was recognized for promoting Pickering's Animal Services programs through its store and social media. It also acts as a satellite adoption facility for cats.

For more information on Pickering's Animal Services or Pawsitive Partners awards program visit www.cityofpickering.com/animals.