Organizations Team Up to Reduce Pet Homelessness in Midland

PetSmart Charities®, Midland Humane Coalition to open new pet adoption center

Homeless pets in Midland will have a better chance of finding a loving home thanks to a partnership between Midland Humane Coalition 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 Midland.

The new adoption center will free up kennel space at the City of Midland’s animal 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 Midland Humane Coalition, we are able to promote pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates in local communities.”

Officially opening on Saturday, Nov. 12, the new adoption center will occupy 1,678 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 Midland Humane Coalition any rent. The Midland Humane Coalition will staff the enhanced adoption center, which will house more than 30 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 Susie Hitchcock-Hall, president, Midland Humane Coalition. “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 Midland.”

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 Midland 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, Kentucky and Idaho.

Grand Opening Information:

• When:  Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.
• Where:  PetSmart store, 4206 W. Loop N., Midland
• Activities:  Festivities begin with presentations and a ribbon cutting. Shelter tours and pet adoptions will continue all day.
• Presenters include:  City of Midland Mayor Wes Perry; Steg Stegall of Midland Humane Coalition; and Susana Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of PetSmart Charities

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 Midland Humane Coalition

Midland Humane Coalition (MHC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to partner with the community to end euthanasia of adoptable animals.  Midland Humane Coalition wants to dramatically impact their euthanasia numbers through a community-wide effort.