The first National Adoption Weekend of 2017 will be taking place at PetSmart stores across the country from Feb 17-18. From coast to coast, PetSmart partners with a local adoption partners in each region (such as the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty) to donate space for cats and dogs that need a forever home. As a leader in pet adoptions in North America, PetSmart Charities helps more than 20,000 cats and dogs find homes in Canada through its adoption programs and sponsored adoption events each year.
Last year, nearly 1,500 pets were adopted across the Maritime provinces (with nearly 500 in Halifax) though PetSmart Charities’ various adoption initiatives. Pet homelessness remains a serious issue across Canada. There are tens of thousands of healthy, adorable and adoptable pets currently in shelters and rescue facilities just waiting for a lifelong, loving home. It’s a great cause and important topic for 2017, as nearly 120,000 cats and dogs enter Canadian shelters every year. The number of cats taken in to Canadian shelters is almost twice the number of dogs.
Carrie Trembinski of PetSmart Charities of Canada is available for interviews to talk about the work they do across the country, partners they work with, local pet adoption statistics and how pet ownership can contribute to a healthier heart. February is Canadian Heart Month and research has shown that pet ownership is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. People with pets, and in particular those with dogs, tend to be more physically active than their non-pet-parent counterparts. In addition, owning pets seems to contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These are three important risk factors for heart disease that seem to be helped, even if modestly, through pet ownership.*
What: PetSmart Charities of Canada’s February National Adoption Weekend
Date: Feb. 17 – 19, 2017
Time: Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Nearly every PetSmart store across Canada. Visit www.petsmart.ca to find the store nearest you.
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Source: Media Release
