Petco Animal Supplies Inc. (San Diego) in May agreed to pay more than $900,000 to settle two lawsuits accusing the company of charging customers more than the advertised prices on items offered for sale, and for not properly caring for animals in Petco stores.

Weights and measures inspectors in eight counties documented the overcharge violations during the past four years, according to the District Attorneys of Los Angeles, San Diego, Marin and San Mateo counties. Animal Control and Humane Society officials documented the animal care violations during the same period in San Diego, Marin and San Mateo counties.

Petco, which admitted no wrongdoings, agreed to pay $651,754 in civil penalties and agency costs, and $202,500 to install improved pricing accuracy equipment in stores located in the 27 California counties in which it does business.

In addition, Petco is required by the court order to implement a detailed daily animal care procedure in all its California stores, and to implement new employee training procedures in its San Francisco stores.

The settlements resolve a consumer protection lawsuit brought by the Southern California district attorneys, and a separate action filed in 2002 by the San Francisco city attorney.