Unique Collaboration Saves Pets in Green Bay

PetSmart Charities®, Bay Area Humane Society to open pet-adoption center

As many as 1,300 dogs and cats in Green Bay, Wis. will be saved every year, thanks to a partnership between Bay Area Humane Society and nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc.  The two have teamed up with support from PetSmart, Inc. to open a pet-adoption center inside the PetSmart® store in Green Bay.

PetSmart Charities is funding 100 percent of the build-out costs for the new center, which will occupy about 1,900 square feet of space that is being converted inside the store.  The PetSmart store is not charging Bay Area Humane Society any rent.

Bay Area Humane Society will staff the enhanced adoption center, which will house more than 30 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at a time. Pets will live at the center until they’re adopted, so they won’t need to be transported between the store and Bay Area Humane Society’s shelters. Not only does the new center free up kennel space at the main shelter location, but it also allows Bay Area Humane Society to take adoptable pets out to the community and house them in a pet-friendly venue.  About 25 pets are expected to be adopted from the new adoption center location every week.
 
“These enhanced adoption centers are proving to be a very successful way to find even more pets the homes they deserve,” said Susana Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc.  “By collaborating with strong organizations like the Bay Area Humane Society, we are able to promote pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia in local communities.”

This 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 opened similar adoption centers in Fort Worth, Texas; Yuma, Ariz.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Dover, Del. Every year, about 8 million pets end up in shelters across the United States; tragically, 4 million are euthanized because they are not adopted.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to work with PetSmart Charities. This partnership will benefit thousands of cats and dogs by bringing them out into the community where they can find new homes,” said Bay Area Humane Society Executive Director Steve Heaven.

JOIN US FOR THE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

• Saturday, June 25, 2011
• PetSmart store, 825 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay
• 10 a.m.: Festivities begin with presentations and a ribbon cutting.  Shelter tours will be available and pet adoptions will continue all day.
• Presenters include Bay Area Humane Society Executive Director Stephen Heaven and PetSmart Charities, Inc. Director of Programs Dan Tisch.

This event is free - everyone is welcome!

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

About Bay Area Humane Society

Founded in 1958, the Bay Area Humane Society welcomes every animal in need. We strive to provide the best possible care and future for companion animals in our community. Whether homeless or simply unwanted, the Bay Area Humane Society works to give these animals a second chance at finding a family. We also provide humane education, lost and found services, low cost veterinary services and ongoing support to pet owners.