News Release for July National Adoption Week 2023
ANIMAL REFUGE CENTER, INC. ENCOURAGES ADDING NEW FAMILY MEMBERS DURING PETSMART CHARITIES NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK AND KITTEN SEASON
In-Person Adoption Events to Take Place at Local PetSmart Stores July 10 – 16
July 01, 2023 – VINE GROVE/ELIZABETHTOWN, KY— Animal shelters across the nation are full to overflowing, and scores of adoptable pets are waiting even longer to find loving homes. Animal Refuge Center, Inc. is proud to partner with PetSmart Charities® to bring adoptable pets to 1820 N Dixie Hwy, Elizabethtown, KY PetSmart in support of National Adoption Week, taking place July 10 – 16, 2023.
A nationwide shortage of veterinary practitioners to conduct spay and neuter surgeries has created a backlog of animals in shelters. Longer lengths of stays can create additional stress for pets, and also strains resources for shelters already struggling to care for pets amidst a labor shortage and increasing costs of care. To increase numbers of pets to meet and greet at in-store adoption events, PetSmart Charities is relaxing the requirement for puppies and kittens under six months old to be spayed or neutered prior to adoptions. The spay/neuter waiver for shelter and rescue partners requires ensuring sterilizations take place after adoptions in accordance with applicable local, state, and provincial laws.
National Adoption Week coincides with kitten season. Following peak breeding activity for cats, many shelters are flooded with scores of vulnerable kittens in need of loving homes. During the in-store event, Animal Refuge Center, Inc. invites those with room in their hearts and homes to meet adoptable pets in the area. Opportunities will be given to spend time with animals in spacious areas to find just the right match. Staff and volunteers will help potential adopters learn about caring for a pet and the types of tools, products and services that can support new pet parents as they welcome new family members.
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To view all available pets for adoption, please visit http://animalrefugecenter.org/pets-for-adoption/, and add any details related to how the pets have been prepared].
“If you’re looking to do something good for your family, community and even country, consider opening your home to a new best friend,” said Heidi Marston, director of Pet Placement Initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “We continue to learn more about the benefits of the human animal bond, and adopting a pet not only adds to the quality of life, it’s also a significant contribution you can make to the country. Our new policy to allow pet parents to schedule sterilization until after adoptions promises to help more pets find people to love. We’re proud to work alongside partners such as Animal Refuge Center, Inc., working so hard to make meaningful connections.”
Add story/image about one specific adoptable animal, if possible. These help reporters make a connection, too.
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Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll footage of adoptable pets are available upon request. To view request editorial materials, please contact Penny Edwards, Shelter Manager, 270-877-6064 or animal_refugectr@hotmail.com.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
Connect with PetSmart Charities on social media:
Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc
Media Contact:
Penny M. Edwards, Shelter Manager 24-Hour PetSmart Charities
270-877-6064 Mediarelations@petsmart.com
animal_refugectr@hotmail.com
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