Feb. 12, 2019 – PHOENIX, Ariz. — When people decide to adopt a pet during PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend, they often have more than a few questions: From wondering what type and age of pet will be best suited to their home and lifestyle; to understanding why they may need to fill out an adoption application and questionnaire; and learning how to make a new pet feel right at home. These are just a few common inquiries potential pet adopters have and they’re part of the reason why PetSmart has placed an Adoption Ambassador in more than 1,600 stores across North America.
Adoption Ambassadors are PetSmart associates who receive specialized training to become experts on PetSmart Charities’ In-Store Adoption Program. They can help explain the adoption application process, introduce adopters to a representative from one of the nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations bringing adoptable pets into PetSmart stores, and provide guidance on how to integrate a new pet into the family. They’re also passionate about PetSmart Charities and can explain how PetSmart and its non-profit partner have worked together for 25 years to find loving homes for 8.4 million pets and counting.
Deborah Turcott, acting president of PetSmart Charities explains why the in-store adoption program continues to be so successful. “As the leading funder of animal welfare, PetSmart Charities provides grants to support nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. In turn, those organizations provide shelter, socialization and veterinary care to homeless pets to prepare them for adoption. When ready, those adoptable pets are transported to a nearby PetSmart store where they have exposure to millions of pet-lovers. It’s a collaborative partnership based on our shared mission to bring people and pets together.”
On Feb. 22 – 24, PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend will take place in just about every PetSmart store across the continent. Tens of thousands of puppies and dogs, kittens and cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and other furry, scaly and even a few feathered friends from local shelters will be looking to be adopted into a loving home. In most cases, adopters are able to take their new pet home the very same day they meet them, but in some cases, a home visit may be required to help ensure the new pet and pet parent will be happy together for years to come.
When thinking of adopting a pet, pop into a local PetSmart store during PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend. It’s a great way to meet adoptable pets from the local community. The team of knowledgeable animal welfare partners and Adoption Ambassadors can help match potential adopters with the perfect furry, scaly or feathered friend. Preview adoptable pets by following PetSmart Charities on Twitter and Instagram during National Adoption Weekend when the charity will host a social media adopt-a-thon on Sat., Feb. 23 and Sun., Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. EST.
PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend Details:
Dates: Fri., Feb. 22 – Sun., Feb. 24, 2019
Times: Fri. and Sat.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. local time
Locations: Nearly every one of the 1,600+ PetSmart stores across North America. Visit www.petsmart.comto find a store near you.
Not Ready or Not Able to Adopt This Weekend?
For those not ready to adopt a pet this February but who still want to help tens of thousands of pets find homes, there’s PetSmart Charities’ #PicMe campaign. Simply snap a picture of an adoptable pet in a PetSmart store and post it on social media using the hashtag #PicMe. Watch this #PicMe video to find out how to take a selfless selfie and help reduce pet homelessness via social media.
