An estimated 100,000 pets enter shelters each year and PetSmart Charities of Canada, the leading funder of animal welfare in the country, aims to create connections for animals in need of loving homes during its National Adoption Week, happening November 7 – 13.
After a decline in shelter intakes resulting from the pandemic, shelters are seeing a steady return to pre-pandemic operating volumes with animal intakes on the rise**. Some shelters and animal rescue organizations are struggling to secure resources and volunteers to care for pets as they wait longer for loving homes of their own. Finding families to consider adoptions are urgently needed, and PetSmart Charities of Canada and its more than 160 animal welfare partners are poised to help.
While the holidays can be festive and joyful for some, many can feel isolated or lonely during the season. While there is no simple solution, those who can manage the responsibility could benefit with the companionship of a pet to love. There are many benefits to the human animal bond, people are said to be happier and healthier in the presence of animals. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, the presence of a pet could result in decreased blood pressure, reduced anxiety and enhanced feelings of well-being. Adopting a pet not only can be a benefit to the animal, but also to pet parents. Adopting a new family member now may be ideal timing ahead of the holidays.
“Earlier this year, PetSmart Charities of Canada celebrated a milestone of 350 thousand pet adoptions since 1999, thanks to our network of local animal welfare organizations, the support of our donors and our relationship with PetSmart,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Together, we hope to have our best National Adoption Week yet, especially for the thousands of pets currently waiting for loving homes. For these animals, the gift of a loving family is the only item on their holiday wish lists.”
During National Adoption Week, potential pet parents can visit their local PetSmart store to interact with adoptable pets from animal welfare organizations facilitated by PetSmart Charities of Canada. Visitors will have the chance to spend time with animals, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, and various small pets in a safe and spacious area. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help potential adopters learn more about the pets they are interested in and ensure they feel confident in caring for them.
Those who aren't quite ready to expand their family can still make a big impact by donating to help pets in need at PetSmartCharities.ca. Potential adopters also can find their match when the time is right by visiting PetSmartCharities.ca/adopt-a-pet to search for adoptable pets, adoption centres and events.
PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week Details:
PetSmart Charities of Canada partners with local animal welfare organizations will bring adoptable pets, including cats, kittens, dogs and puppies into nearly every PetSmart store across Canada.
Dates: November 7 – 13, 2022
Locations: Please visit PetSmart.ca to find a participating store near you.
About PetSmart Charities of Canada™
PetSmart Charities of Canada 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 country, PetSmart Charities of Canada helps thousands of pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada 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, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at PetSmartCharities.ca, while shopping at PetSmart.ca, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $25 million since its inception in 1999. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more visit www.PetSmartCharities.ca.
Find PetSmart Canada & PetSmart Charities of Canada™ on:
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PetSmartCanada
Instagram: www.instagram.com/PetSmartCanada
About PetSmart
PetSmart LLC is the leading pet retailer offering products, 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 together they 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 1,660 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. We provide 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 over 350 thousand adoptions in Canada, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.
Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Ward
Weber Shandwick
KWard@WeberShandwick.com
24-hour media at PetSmart and PetSmart Charities: MediaRelations@petsmart.com
