Feb. 22, 2022, Phoenix — There is no better time than the anticipation of spring to find new love. PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in the U.S. encourages those looking for a new best friend to participate in National Adoption Week on Feb. 28 – March 6, 2022.
During these special weeks each year, PetSmart Charities partners with thousands of local animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores across the U.S. Together they offer the time and space to help potential adopters take a new family member home.
In less than a decade, the rate of saving animals in shelters has increased from 50% to 83%.1 Still five million pets find themselves in shelters each year in need of homes where they can do what pets do best — love people.
The bond between pets and people continues to influence health and wellness. Today, 70%2 of American homes include pets, and 88%3 of pet parents report their pets are integral members of the family. The major shift to working from home has also increased interest in adding furry friends to the family mix. The benefits of adopting pets include:
- Pets give unconditional love and companionship.
- Interacting with pets reduces feelings of stress and isolation.
- Giving a home to a pet in need builds purpose in life during significant changes such as retirement.
- Caring for pets teaches values such as responsibility and compassion to children and youth.
- Playing with pets increases movement and activity.
"Pets love us like no others,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “And even though America is more in love with our pets than ever, shelters across the country are struggling at maximum capacity. Many struggle to keep pace under the strain of staffing and volunteer shortages. National Adoption Week is a great time to connect with our animal welfare partners who’ll help people make the perfect match. Think of it as giving back – and there is no better return on that investment!”
“Ted” (pictured) was one such energetic, loving dog desperately in need of a family. Witnesses rescued him after being thrown out of the window of a moving vehicle. Their own house was full, so they took him to the Acadiana Animal Aid (AAA) in Louisiana. Brent and Sasha Fogle, long-time supporters of AAA, had lost a treasured dog earlier in the year. They were eager to find a companion for their puppy, “Bill.” An AAA volunteer encouraged them to meet Ted during a PetSmart Charities Adoption event, and it turned out to be love at first sight. When they introduced the two dogs, they connected immediately. Now, Ted lives in a friendly neighborhood with a doting family – a far cry from his initial start in life.
Those who aren't ready to adopt a pet can still help pets in need by making a financial donation online at petsmartcharities.org.
PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week Details
Feb. 28 – March 6: Thousands of animal welfare organizations will bring a host of adoptable pets, including dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and various small pets into nearly every PetSmart store across North America.
Locations: Nearly every PetSmart location across the U.S. and Puerto Rico host National Adoption Week events. Visit petsmart.com to find a nearby store and see how they are participating.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps nearly 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
About PetSmart®
PetSmart is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart's passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they, together, can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities. PetSmart operates approximately 1,650 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. The retailer provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products, as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp™ and pet adoption.
PetSmart, PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada work with nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home. Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated more than 9 million adoptions, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.
Sources:
1. Best Friends Animal Society
2. Yougov.org
3. Vet Advantage Publications
Media Contact:
Diane Meehl
602-363-7352
dmeehl@petsmartcharities.org
