The Pedigree Brand releases Rescue Doodles

Kids sketch a pup, parents snap a photo of it, then they can find a matching adoptable dog nearby (Photo courtesy of the Pedigree Brand).

The Pedigree Brand has debuted Rescue Doodles—a program using AI technology and a machine learning model to match a child's doodle of a furry friend with an actual similar-looking, adoptable dog in the area for their family. The platform is powered by Adopt-a-Pet.com, a Kinship company.

"Every dog deserves a loving home, and Rescue Doodles is the latest program in a long line of initiatives from the Pedigree brand promoting adoption," said Jean-Paul Jansen, vice president of marketing for Mars Petcare North America, in a company release.¹

"This program is unique because it takes a simple, everyday activity for children – doodling – and turns it into a fun way to add a new member to the family,” he added.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 3.1 million dogs enter shelters each year in the United States in need of forever homes.² Rescue Doodles further supports the Pedigree Brand’s mission of helping pups find a loving home in a fun, engaging way that involves the entire family.

"Matching dogs with potential adopters is central to what we do, and the Rescue Doodles program is a unique way to bring that to life that gets the whole family involved," said Dana Puglisi, chief marketing officer at Adopt-a-Pet.com, a Kinship company. "We're thrilled to partner with the Pedigree brand to power the Rescue Doodles platform using our network of shelters and rescues all across the country."

To find an adoptable canine nearby, adults can simply take a photo of their child’s creative portrait and text it to the Rescue Doodle number. You can try it for yourself now through April 30, 2022, by texting 'Doodle' to 717-670-6675.

According to the release,¹ there are various factors to consider before welcoming home a new dog to ensure the best outcome including their lifestyle, activity level, plus if they are a good fit for other household pets and your children. When families get paired with a dog, they should arrange a meet and greet with local shelters to determine if the dog will be a good match.

References

1. Doodle, snap, adopt! The Pedigree® Brand launches “Rescue Doodles” to match families with their dream rescue dog. News release. Pedigree Brand. March 10, 2022. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/doodle-snap-adopt-the-pedigree-brand-launches-rescue-doodles-to-match-families-with-their-dream-rescue-dog-301499439.html
2. Pet statistics. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. March 10, 2022. https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics#:~:text=Facts%20about%20U.S.%20Animal%20Shelters%3A&text=Approximately%206.3%20million%20companion%20animals,and%203.2%20million%20are%20cats