Collaboration Reduces Pet Homelessness in Lexington

PetSmart Charities®, Lexington Humane Society to open new pet adoption center

Pets in Lexington will have a better chance of finding a loving home thanks to a partnership between the Lexington Humane Society, the largest nonprofit adoption agency in Central Kentucky, and nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc., the largest funder of companion animal-welfare efforts in North America.  The two have teamed up with support from PetSmart, Inc. to open an enhanced pet-adoption center inside the Hamburg Crossing PetSmart® store in Lexington. This is the 7th adoption center of this kind in the United States.

“We are so honored and excited to expand our relationship with PetSmart Charities, all in our effort to promote adoption as the best option when selecting a pet,” says Susan Malcomb, president of the Lexington Humane Society. “Surveys have shown the majority of individuals are reluctant to visit shelters to explore adoption because they are overwhelmed and saddened by the amount of homeless animals available for adoption. Satellite adoption centers such as this provide a perfect solution to this concern and to occupy such a state-of-the-art facility is a blessing.”

This new enhanced adoption center will provide even greater space for animals cared for by the Lexington Humane Society, providing an across-town location for those interested in selecting a furry friend.

“These enhanced adoption centers provide homeless pets with a comfortable place to stay before they find their forever homes,” said Susana Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc.  “By collaborating with strong organizations like the Lexington Humane Society, we are able to promote pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates in local communities.”

Officially opening on October 1, the new adoption center will occupy about 1,900 square feet that is being converted inside the store. PetSmart Charities is funding 100 percent of the build-out costs for the new center and PetSmart is not charging any rent. 

The Lexington Humane Society will fully staff the enhanced adoption center, which will house approximately 40 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. About 25 pets are expected to be adopted from the new adoption center location every week.

Every year, approximately 8 million pets end up in shelters across the United States; and sadly, 4 million are euthanized because they are not adopted. This adoption center is part of a nationwide initiative from PetSmart Charities to save more homeless pets. Since May 2010, PetSmart Charities has been able to save more than 3,700 pets by opening similar adoption centers in Fort Worth, Texas; Yuma, Ariz.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Dover, Del., Green Bay, Wis. and Westminster, Colo. Each enhanced adoption center is proudly sponsored by Purina® Pro Plan®.

JOIN US FOR THE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

• 10 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2011
• Lexington PetSmart store, 1945 Pavillion Way
• Presenters include: Jeff Davis, Senior Communications Manager, PetSmart Charities, Inc.

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 Lexington Humane Society

The Lexington Humane Society (LHS) is a non-profit humane agency completely reliant upon private donations and community support.  As Central Kentucky’s largest adoption agency, LHS cares for over 5,000 animals each year; educates the community on responsible, lifelong pet ownership; and promotes the importance of spay/neuter and adoption. Simply stated, LHS is committed to Give Love, Teach Love, Adopt Love. LHS has no time limits for animals placed up for adoption and allows all the time that is needed to find healthy, happy animals their forever home.