The time between November 12, 2002 and January 5, 2003 could indeed mark a New Year -- and a second chance at a good life -- for a quarter-million formerly orphaned companion animals, as the "Home 4 the Holidays" annual adoption program draws on the resources of 1,100 shelters from around the world.
The adoption drive, a brainchild of San Diego's Helen Woodward Animal Center, helped place 100,000 homeless animals with loving families last year. This year's effort, again sponsored by PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., The Iams Company and the PETCO Foundation, has a goal of more than double that number. With the addition of Petfinder.com to the line-up of participating sponsors, organizers feel the magic number of 250,000 can be reached.
Home 4 the Holidays began in 1999 when Helen Woodward Animal Center organized 14 area shelters in a concerted adoption drive during the holiday season. The result was 2,563 pet adoptions. The next year 130 shelters in five states participated in Home 4 the Holidays 2000 resulting in 20,000 adoptions. Home 4 the Holidays 2001 became the largest pet adoption event in history.
Helen Woodward Animal Center President Michael Arms, creator of Home 4 the Holidays, says more people adopt pets during the holiday season than any other time of the year. "We ask families to save lives by adopting their pets from animal shelters. None of us want to think about an orphan waking up in a cage during this time of family and sharing."
To help encourage adoptions, both Iams and PETCO are offering coupons for food and products. Iams will send newly adopted pets home with a free meal, and PETCO offers Adoption Gift Booklets worth up to $180 in discounted products and services to new pet parents to help them find all they will need to provide happy homes for their new four-legged friends.
"When you adopt from a shelter, you could be saving a life," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said. "More than four million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. Programs promoting adoptions and responsible pet parenting, such as Home 4 the Holidays, can help us reverse that trend."
Petfinder.com , which helps prospective pet parents find adoptable animals online, hopes to connect people with the right pet through their network of participating shelters.
"We're really excited to be a part of Home 4 the Holidays this year," Petfinder President Betsy Saul said. "Just the thought of placing a quarter-million pets in new homes during this special season makes all of our work worthwhile. It is very energizing to be a part of such an enormous life-saving effort, and to know that so many people are working to speak for the animals who cannot speak for themselves."
Saul notes that companies like PETCO, which also helps underwrite Petfinder.com , play a pivotal role in the success of these national public education campaigns. "PETCO's financial resources, and ability to reach so many pet lovers, creates an awareness that could not otherwise be achieved."
Helen Woodward's Michael Arms agrees.
"Without the continued support of PETCO, Iams and the PETCO Foundation, the growth and breadth of this program would not be possible," Arms said. "Responsible corporate partners like these companies are what enable so many animal welfare programs and organizations to flourish. And what better gift can any of us give during the holiday season than to save the life of an orphaned animal? We're proud to be working with these companies that are dedicated to saving lives and strengthening the bond between people and companion animals."
Arms says that adopting a shelter pet during the holidays is the right thing to do. "In the past many shelters discouraged families from adopting during the holidays to avoid impulse decisions. But it's time to face the facts. More families invite pets into their homes during the holidays than any other time of year. If shelters turn these families away, we may as well send them to a puppy mill." Arms points out that the goal of a puppy mill is to make a sale, while the goal of an animal shelter is to match the needs of the pets with the desires of the families. "We want to help these families find the right companion animal for their lifestyle. Pets are a lifetime commitment."
Eleven hundred animal shelters in 19 countries will take part when international spokesperson Diane Keaton kicks off Home 4 the Holidays 2002 on Tuesday, November 12.
To find a participating shelter in your area, call 1-800-422-7793, or log on to www.home4theholidays.org . To find a PETCO near you, log on to www.petco.com .
PETCO
For more than 50 years, The Iams Company has enhanced the well being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods. For more information on proper pet care and nutrition, call the Iams Pet Professionals at 1-800-863-4267. You can also visit Iams on the Web at www.iams.com .
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1971 in Rancho Santa Fe, California, the Center provides services for more than 50,000 people and 15,000 animals annually through its programs.
Petfinder.com is an online pet adoption source, partnering with more than 4,500 animal welfare organizations nationwide to find homes for orphaned animals. Thanks to their sponsors, Petfinder.com offers this service free of charge to shelters and potential adopters. For more information, or to find a new friend, log on to www.petfinder.com .
SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
CONTACT: Shawn Underwood of PETCO, +1-858-909-4662,
Paul Jolly of the PETCO Foundation, +1-626-287-0952,
Web site: http://petfinder.com/
Web site: http://www.home4theholidays.org/
Web site: http://www.iams.com/
Web site: http://www.petco.com/
