Spring into Action: Adopt a Pet at PetSmart Charities® of Canada National Adoption Weekend, May 2-4

Watch: Experience the adoption process from a homeless pet's perspective

TORONTO, April 22, 2014 /CNW/ - Start this spring off on the right paw. Spring into action and adopt a pet at the PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Weekend, sponsored by PetSmart^®, from May 2-4 at your local PetSmart store. The weekend-long event allows people to meet thousands of friendly, lovable dogs and cats waiting for someone to spring into action and adopt them. Whether it's a clever cat or a playful puppy, you are bound to find a new best friend.

According to a recent survey by PetSmart Charities of Canada conducted by Ipsos Research, four in ten Canadians who have adopted experienced love at first sight for their pet.

"If you are looking to add a new furry companion to your family, saving the life of a pet is a rewarding choice," said John DeFranco, president, PetSmart Charities of Canada. "Adopting a cat or dog is sure to bring you a lifetime of unconditional love."

More than 100 animal welfare organizations will be on-site at all 87 PetSmart stores in Canada.  Prospective pet parents can meet the dogs and cats available for adoption and talk with volunteers about the adoption process and how to prepare to bring a new pet into their home.

"At PetSmart, we believe pets make us better people," said Rob Smith, regional director, PetSmart Canada. "Through our partnership with PetSmart Charities of Canada for National Adoption Weekend events, we are able to create more moments for people to be inspired by pets."

PetSmart Charities of Canada will reward all participating adoption partners; each will receive $35 in adoption-reward grants for every pet adopted during the event. PetSmart, Inc., Purina^® Pro Plan^® and MAXX Scoop^® are proud sponsors of National Adoption Weekend.

Video: Adoption through the Eyes of a Pet
If you've ever wondered what a pet experiences as they wait to find a forever home, go to our YouTube channel for a video showing adoption from a pet's perspective.

How to Adopt
Visit the PetSmart Charities of Canada's adoption centre inside any PetSmart store in Canada from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. To find the PetSmart store nearest you, visit http://pets.petsmart.com/adoptions/ or call 1-877-473-8762.

Join the Conversation
You can follow PetSmart Charities of Canada and PetSmart on Facebook throughout National Adoption Weekend at www.facebook.com/PetSmartCharities and www.facebook.com/PetSmart. Or, talk with us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PetSmartChariTs and https://twitter.com/PetSmart and by following the hashtag #adoptlove. We also invite you to share your adoption story. Your pet's happy "tail" will be posted on PetSmart Charities Pet Adoption Announcements page.

About PetSmart Charities® of Canada:
PetSmart Charities of Canada is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets. More than 14,000 dogs and cats find homes each year through our adoption program in all PetSmart® stores and our sponsored adoption events. A leading funder of animal welfare, PetSmart Charities of Canada has granted more than $3.7 million to help pets in need, with a focus on spay/neuter services that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered charity, separate from PetSmart, Inc.

SOURCE: PetSmart Charities of Canada

Melissa Adamson, GolinHarris, 416.642.7967/[email protected]