PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week aims to unite people and pets

Ted, the dog pictured on the right, found a home through PetSmart Charities' efforts during a National Adoption Week (Photo courtesy PetSmart Charities).

PetSmart Charities, Inc—a funder of animal welfare in the US—is inviting those looking for a new pet to partake in National Adoption Week from February 28, 2022, to March 6, 2022.

"Pets love us like no others," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, in an organizational release.¹ "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!" she added.

During the week, PetSmart Charities collaborates with thousands of local animal welfare organizations to offer a variety of adoptable pets (eg, dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, small pets, etc) at PetSmart stores across North America. Additionally, each PetSmart location in the United States and Puerto Rico will host National Adoption Week events.

An uplifting tale regarding a PetSmart Charities adoption pet features a playful, loving dog—Ted—who needed a family after he was thrown out of the window of a moving vehicle. Witnesses rescued him and brought him to the Acadiana Animal Aid (AAA) in Louisiana.

Loyal supporters of AAA, Brent and Sasha Fogle, lost a beloved dog earlier that year, and they were in search of a companion for their puppy, Bill. An AAA volunteer urged them to meet Ted during a PetSmart Charities Adoption event, and the rest is history. The 2 dogs connected instantly upon meeting, and Ted now lives in his forever home.

Although Ted's story had a happy ending, there are 5 million pets still in shelters each year in need of homes, and the human-animal bond continues to impact health and wellness.

According to the release,¹ the advantages of welcoming home a pet include:

• Pets offer unconditional love and companionship.
• Engaging with pets decreases feelings of stress and isolation.
• Providing a home to a pet in need creates purpose in life during substantial changes such as retirement.
• Caring for pets teaches values like responsibility and compassion to children and youths.
• Playing with pets increases movement and activity.

References

1. PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Week brings people and pets together. PetSmart Charities. February 22, 2022. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petsmart-charities-national-adoption-week-brings-people-and-pets-together-301487117.html
2. Best Friends Animal Society releases data showing most significant annual decrease in animals killed in shelters. News release. Best Friends Animal Society. June 21, 2021. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://bestfriends.org/about/media/best-friends-animal-society-releases-data-showing-most-significant-annual-decrease