The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) has received a $35,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada® to help prepare more pets in South Georgian Bay (including Town of Collingwood, Town of Wasaga Beach, The Town of Blue Mountains, Municipality of Meaford, Clearview Township and Grey Highlands Township) for adoption. An estimated one hundred thousand pets make their way into shelters each year in Canada. In partnership with PetSmart Charities of Canada, the GTHS will bring adoptable pets to two PetSmart locations in support of National Adoption Week, taking place March 18 – 24, 2024.
The PetSmart Charities of Canada grant will support the GTHS in facilitating and promoting offsite adoptions at participating PetSmart retail locations to help encourage adoptions for pets in GTHS care. Funding will go toward ongoing staff training at PetSmart locations, GTHS volunteer recruitment and training for offsite adoptions, fuel and vehicle maintenance to increase the frequency of transportation of animals to PetSmart locations, spay and neuter surgeries for adoptable animals and foster supplies, as the GTHS expands its foster program to include a foster-to-adopt model, which will help reduce length of stay and provide more comfortable living conditions for the most vulnerable pets in GTHS care. Approximately 360 pets are projected to benefit from these initiatives.
Raya, previously named Evangeline, is one of the lucky pets who was adopted through the PetSmart offsite adoption program in August of 2023. She is settling in beautifully with her new family and is a ray of sunshine in their lives.
“We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities of Canada for this adoption grant,” says Karen Marsh, executive director of the GTHS. “In 2023, we saw a 41.3% increase in lost dogs coming into GTHS care and a 25% increase in cat intakes. Continuing to facilitate offsite adoptions at PetSmart Owen Sound and Mapleview Barrie locations will help us increase the chances for pets to find their new families. Even more, this funding will help us provide compassionate care to animals recovering from a medical condition or surgery, and animals who are not thriving in the shelter environment, by enabling us to expand our foster program to include a foster-to-adopt model. By allowing these animals to be fostered prior to adoption, we feel it will give them the best chance of finding a new, loving home in a timely manner.
“Shelters across the country are struggling to keep pace with the number of animals coming in and need support from their communities to bring pets and people together,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “We’re proud to support the GTHS and the essential work they do to care and advocate for the animals that come through their door in need of loving families. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or making a donation.”
PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. PetSmart stores feature adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are on-hand to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members.
WHEN/WHERE:
Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart locations:
- Cats and kittens will be available for adoption at the Owen Sound PetSmart location for National Adoption Week (March 18 – 24, 2024).
- Cats and kittens are available for adoption at the Mapleview Barrie PetSmart location on a regular, rotating two-week schedule.
