PetSmart Charities celebrates National Adoption Week

Photocreo Bednarek / stock.adobe.com

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.3 million pets enter US animal shelters each year.¹ To address this, PetSmart Charities, is striving to foster connections for animals in need of homes during National Adoption Week—July 11, 2022, to July 17, 2022—by partnering with thousands of animal welfare organizations who will bring adoptable pets to nearly every PetSmart location in North America.

The organization is especially highlighting the importance of adopting kittens at this time as these summer months are "kitten season," meaning shelters are currently filled with cats and kittens. Additionally, this year the amount of kittens in need of homes in shelters is particularly high as trap, spay/neuter-and-release programs went on pause during the pandemic leading to an influx.²

"This year, we achieved a milestone of 10 million pet adoptions thanks to our wide network of local animal welfare organization partners and individual donors who generously give funds to our organization as they checkout in PetSmart stores," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. "We look forward to bringing this momentum into National Adoption Week to pair even more pets in need with loving homes."

Throughout National Adoption Week, store visitors can spend time with the adoptable animals at PetSmart locations including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, and various small pets in a safe, spacious area. Staff and volunteers will be available to inform potential adopters about the pets and ensure they feel confident in caring for them.

It is critical that potential adopters are mindful when adopting a cat or kitten that the pet they select is the right choice for them and their lifestyle. Here are some pointers PetSmart Charities outlined to consider²:

• Consider your home environment. A house with children, various roommates or one that is often busy may not be an ideal fit for a shy or quiet cat, but a playful cat or kitten may thrive.
• Be mindful of your schedule. For those who commute to work or travel frequently, an adult or senior cat who is more independent or a pair of cats that keep each other company may make better fits than a kitten.
• Think about their personality. When looking for a cat, think of what the best personality of a cat for your home would be. Ask the adoption partner questions about the cat's personality and the behaviors they have witnessed as they have spent more time with the cat.
• Be prepared for a slow introduction to other pets. Be prepared to have a slow introduction of the cat or kitten with other pets and family members. Designate a specific area where the new feline can unwind and accomodate to the new environment while slowly being introduced to others.

References

1. Pet statistics. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Accessed July 12, 2022. https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
2. PetSmart Charities celebrates National Adoption Week as the purr-fect time to bring home a kitten. News release. July 11, 2022. Accessed July 12, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petsmart-charities-celebrates-national-adoption-week-as-the-purr-fect-time-to-bring-home-a-kitten-301583931.html