Pet Adoption Program Launched

Friday, March 1, 2002

Pet Adoption Program Launched (NAPSA)—Adopting a pet can be a wonderful way to get a new “leash” on life. Americans can now take part in the first-ever, national pet adoption program set to sweep the nation in celebration of the American HumaneAssocia- 2 *. tion’s (AHA) 125th Anniversary. With an estimated six to eight million dogs and cats being euthanized each year in U.S. animal shelters, AHA, along with its strategic partners Purina PetCare Company and Wal-Mart, has launched the “Very Best Pet Network,” an aggressive adoption program aimed at finding muchneeded homes for up to 125,000 pets in 2002. Mobilizing approximately 2,500 animal welfare organizations nationwide, the groundbreaking Network is expected to significantly increase pet adoptions by raising consumer awareness for local shelter animals. At the heart of the program is a foundation of over 2,700 Wal-Mart stores partnering with local animalshelters to help educate Americans about the joys, opportunities and responsibilities of adopting a pet. The millions of Wal-Mart shoppers who visit the stores each week will have the opportunity to visit an informative adoption bulletin board in their Pet Department, which will be frequently updated with local adoption information and pictures of dogs and cats of all kinds looking for a new homein their neighborhood. “The Very Best Pet Network will dramatically help unify shel- ters across the nation and match thousands of homeless cats and dogs with good homes,” said Bob Roth, Vice-President of Marketing HOME IS WHERE THE PET IS — A new campaign will help to match thousands of homeless pets with good homes. and Public Programs, American Humane Association. “Thanks to the dedication and support of Purina and Wal-Mart, this unique program will provide AHA with the critical resources to save thousands of animals this year.” To further support the efforts of participating shelters, Purina will make a generous $125,000 donation to the Very Best Pet Network Fund. AHA will administer the Fund and award grants to shelters in recognition of their support and contributions to the Network. The funds will be used by the shelters on a local level to promote pet adoptions. To fuel the excitement for the program, the Network will feature extra support during national Adopt-A-Cat Month in June and national Adopt-A-Dog Month in October including free supplies of Purina pet food to help new adopting families get started on the right paw. Helpful pet care information and program details will also be available year round at www. VeryBestPetNetwork.com.