October 18, 2024
PetSmart Charities Reaches 11 Million Pet Adoptions Ahead of National Adoption Week
PetSmart Charities has announced the 11 millionth pet adoption as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. The milestone adoption comes ahead of PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week (Oct. 21 – 27), when potential pet parents are invited to meet adoptable pets from animal welfare organizations at local PetSmart stores across the country.
Jon Pepper, a bus driver with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority and lifelong dog lover, visited his local PetSmart store in Philadelphia during a recent adoption event. Pepper recently lost his beloved chihuahua, Penny and wasn’t expecting to grow his family until he saw Sammy, a loveable, friendly dog available for adoption through local adoption partner, ACCT Philly. According to Pepper, Sammy was “clearly the star of the event.” He knew right away she was meant to join his family as a companion to himself and his other dog, Heidi.
“If I’ve had a rough day, I go home and they’re so happy to see me. They just make everything better,” said Pepper. Sammy’s energetic and loving personality not only made her a star that day, but she became the 11 millionth pet adopted through PetSmart Charities. Now she and Pepper join a special pack of milestone pet adoption families that represent the impact of thriving partnerships between PetSmart, PetSmart Charities and local shelters and rescues.
“It’s a meaningful moment to celebrate the millions of families who have opened their hearts to 11 million pets in need of homes as we continue to celebrate PetSmart Charities’ 30th anniversary,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities. “We’re grateful for our local shelter partners that give compassionate care to adoptable pets as they wait for people to love. We know Sammy and all the other pets adopted this National Adoption Week, will bring so much joy to their new families.”
In celebration of this milestone, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is awarding Sammy and her family with complimentary pet food for an entire year. PetSmart will also grant Pepper with VIPP (Very Important Pet Parent) status, the highest tier benefit in PetSmart’s free Treats Rewards Loyalty Program, until the end of 2025.
“We are proud to support PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week and celebrate the remarkable milestone of the 11 millionth adoption—an inspiring dog from a partner of both Hill’s and PetSmart Charities’, ACCT Philly,” said Courtney Suthoff, Director of US Communications and Shelter at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Yet, millions of pets still await loving homes. We hope this National Adoption Week ignites a wave of compassion and new beginnings for these deserving animals.”
For 30 years, PetSmart Charities has facilitated in-store adoptions in partnership with local animal welfare organizations. The in-store adoption program was launched following a promise made by PetSmart founders to refrain from selling dogs and cats. Instead, local shelter and rescue partners bring adoptable pets into stores to meet potential pet parents. The program has successfully helped millions of pet parents make connections with pets that make perfect matches for their families.
Millions of Pets Are Still in Need of Loving Homes
According to the 2024 Hill’s Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, consumers agree that animal shelters work tirelessly to ensure the pets in their care are as happy and healthy as possible. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered shelters and the pressing need for adoption continues.
The report also noted that local animal shelters across the US are currently experiencing unprecedented overcrowding due to prolonged stays in shelters. Adopting from a PetSmart Charities adoption partner during National Adoption Week can not only grow a family but also save lives and support local animal shelters.
PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week Details
During PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters will bring adoptable shelter pets, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and various small pets to PetSmart stores across the US and Puerto Rico.
Dates: Oct. 21 – 27, 2024
Locations: Nearly every one of PetSmart stores across the US and Puerto Rico. Visit PetSmart to find a store near you.