Charities Team Up to Reduce Pet Homelessness in Boise
PetSmart Charities® and Idaho Humane Society to open new pet adoption center
PHOENIX (October 12, 2011) — Homeless pets in Boise will have a better chance of finding a loving home thanks to a partnership between the Idaho Humane Society and nonprofit PetSmart Charities, the largest funder of companion animal-welfare efforts in North America. The two have teamed up with support from PetSmart, Inc. to open a pet-adoption center inside the PetSmart® store in Boise.
The new adoption center will free up kennel space at Idaho Humane Society’s main shelter and allow adoptable pets to live in a new pet-friendly venue until they are adopted into lifelong homes. This eliminates the need to transport the pets back and forth as well as drastically reduce the need to euthanize pets for space reasons.
“These enhanced adoption centers provide homeless pets with a comfortable shelter before they find their forever homes,” said Susana Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “By collaborating with strong animal-welfare organizations like the Idaho Humane Society, we are able to promote pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates in local communities.”
Officially opening on Saturday, Oct. 29, the new adoption center will occupy 2,076 square feet of space that is being converted inside the store. PetSmart Charities is funding 100 percent of the build-out costs and PetSmart is not charging the Idaho Humane Society any rent. The Idaho Humane Society will staff the enhanced adoption center, which will house more than 45 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. About 20 pets are expected to be adopted from the new adoption center location every week.
“Our partnership with PetSmart Charities will benefit thousands of cats and dogs by bringing them out into the community where they can find new, loving homes,” said Jeff Rosenthal, DVM, executive director, Idaho Humane Society. “We’ve seen the successes PetSmart Charities has achieved in other communities and look forward to the opportunity to improve adoption and euthanasia rates in Boise.”
Every year, about 8 million pets end up in shelters across the United States, and 4 million are euthanized because they are not adopted. The Boise enhanced adoption center is part of a nationwide initiative from PetSmart Charities with the goal of saving more homeless pets. Since May 2010, PetSmart Charities has helped save over 3,700 pets by opening similar adoption centers in Texas, Arizona, Delaware, Wisconsin, Colorado and Kentucky.
Grand Opening Information:
- When: Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m.
- Where: PetSmart store, 130 N Milwaukee Street, Boise
- Activities: Festivities begin with presentations and a ribbon cutting. Shelter tours and pet adoptions will continue all day.
- Presenters Include: Idaho Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Rosenthal, Idaho Humane Society Board President David Duro, and Boise PetSmart Store Manager Bruce Meatte
About the Facility:
The adoption center will be open seven days a week during the store’s operating hours. Amenities include:
- Kennels for adult dogs, puppies and small dogs
- Cat adoption center
- Play areas for dogs awaiting adoption
- Meet‐and‐greet areas for prospective adopters and their families to get acquainted with the pet(s) they want to take home
Related Link
About Idaho Humane Society
The Idaho Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization and veterinary charity in the state of Idaho. The mission of the Idaho Humane Society is to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane awareness and compassion. We believe that because domestic animals are a product of human intervention, we have a special obligation to them in regard to humane treatment and responsible stewardship. The Idaho Humane Society is a private 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that benefit animals in Idaho. Not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. To learn more, contact IHS at 208-342-3508, or visit our website at www.idahohumanesociety.org
About PetSmart Charities®
Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of more than 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).
