PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week to Help Shelters Cope with Increased Need

An estimated five million pets enter shelters each year and PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in the country, aims to create connections for animals in need of loving homes during its National Adoption Week, happening Nov. 7 – 13.

Across the country, overflowing shelters have led to an increased need for pets to find loving homes. A shortage of veterinarians, staff and volunteers only compound this problem. Not only are shelters struggling to manage the demand but adoptable pets are staying longer. Longer stays also increase the chances of pets developing behavioral issues such as chronic fear, anxiety and depression, all of which make them less likely to find homes and more likely to be returned.

To give the gift of family to pets in need, PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week Nov. 7-13 creates opportunities for connections at local PetSmart stores during this special week, where potential pet parents can interact with adoptable pets from local animal welfare partners. Visitors will have the chance to spend time with animals, including cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in a safe and spacious area. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help potential adopters learn more about the pets they are interested in and ensure they feel confident in caring for them.

“Earlier this year, PetSmart Charities achieved a milestone of 10 million total pet adoptions thanks to our partners and individual donors,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “With so many shelters overflowing, together we hope to have our best National Adoption Week yet, especially for the thousands of pets currently waiting for loving homes. For these animals, the gift of a loving family at the holidays is the only item on their wish lists.”

A loving home makes a significant impact on pets looking for families but there are also surprising benefits** to welcoming new furry family members:

• Ninety-seven percent of doctors believe there are health benefits to owning a pet.
• Pet ownership is associated with better quality of life and reduced depression.
• Pets help buffer physiological responses to stress, providing an effective form of social support.
• Having a cat or dog at home can decrease childhood allergies and has even been linked to less incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Those who aren’t quite ready to expand their family can still make a big impact by donating to help pets in need at PetSmart Charities. To learn more about PetSmart Charities and the impact your support makes, please connect and share on these social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week Details:

Thousands of animal welfare organizations will bring a host of adoptable pets, including dogs, cats, kittens and puppies in nearly every PetSmart store across North America and Puerto Rico.

Dates: Nov. 7-13, 2022

Locations: Nearly every one of PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Visit PetSmart to find a store near you.