Published: May 10, 2008 06:33 pm            

Homeless pets finding new families

TERRE HAUTE — Petland has plans to increase participation in its Adopt-A-Pet program.

“We want our Adopt-A-Pet program to grow stronger in 2008 so we are inviting more pet care organizations and individuals to take advantage of the program locally,” said Patricia Williams, operator of the Petland store in the Jeffrey Alan’s Plaza.

Petland stores around the nation have placed more than 270,000 homeless pets – 59,945 homeless puppies and dogs and 212,534 homeless kittens and cats since 1998, according to the statistics given by the business.

“We devote some of our highly visible retail display space at Petland to showcase homeless pets. Our goal, as with all of the pets we place, is to match the right pet with the right person and meet the needs of both,” Williams said.

Ninety-five percent of the Petland stores in the United States have Adopt-A-Pet programs. Ninety-one percent of Petland stores say their community’s response to the Adopt-A-Pet program is favorable.

Petland stores donate pet supplies, sponsor shelter pets for adoption and conduct fundraisers for animal shelters and pet rescue groups. Shelter fundraising banks at Petland allow the public to donate.

Petland also works with local animal shelters, local pet rescue groups and with members of the local community to place accidental litters of puppies or kittens. Homeless mature dogs and cats are accepted, too, via adoption days outside Petland stores or mature pets may be showcased in Petland stores equipped with facilities to accommodate their size. Some larger-format Petland stores feature separate Adopt-A-Pet centers inside.

Before Petland accepts a homeless animal for adoption, the pet must be at least 8 weeks old and pass a wellness check by Petland’s local consulting veterinarian.

Once accepted, Adopt-A-Pets at Petland are given their vaccinations and In most cases, microchipped for identification.

Many Petland locations offer customers a certificate for a free or discounted spay or neuter which may be redeemed at the store’s local consulting veterinary office. Adopt-A-Pets generally are offered to customers at a modest adoption fee, enough to cover associated shelter or rescue group charges, veterinary care and staff labor.

More information on Petland and its community service programs can be found at www.petland.com.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.