PHOENIX – Looking to add a pet to your family this spring? Gain a loving companion and save a life by adopting your dog, cat, puppy or kitten at PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend, sponsored by PetSmart®, from May 4-6 at your neighborhood PetSmart store. What’s more, every pet adopted will bring PetSmart Charities closer to reaching a milestone of finding lifelong, loving homes for 5 million pets since 1994.

Whether you’re a cat lover or a dog person, you’re sure to find a wonderful companion among the thousands of healthy pets up for adoption by more than 2,000 local animal welfare organizations in all PetSmart stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

“Adoption is one of the key ways to save pets and end pet homelessness, not to mention enrich our own lives with a loving companion,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “Thanks to generous donations from our supporters, PetSmart Charities funds hundreds of adoption events and awareness programs each year that have helped find lifelong homes for nearly 5 million pets since our organization was created in 1994.”

Animal-welfare organizations in all 1,210 PetSmart stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico will participate in National Adoption Weekend. These events are proudly sponsored by PetSmart, Purina® Pro Plan® and Tidy Cats® (MAXX Scoop® in Canada).  Every adoption benefits participating local shelters and rescue agencies which receive $35 in adoption-reward grants from PetSmart Charities for every pet they adopt during the event.

“We are committed to working with PetSmart Charities to help save the lives of homeless pets and ensure that pets stay in happy homes,” said John Alpaugh, chief marketing officer of PetSmart. “That’s why we offer new puppy orientation through advanced training classes and products designed for every pet’s personality and life stage. Our knowledgeable associates are always available to answer any pet parent’s questions.”

How to Adopt
Visit the PetSmart Charities’ adoption center inside anyPetSmart store in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. To find the PetSmart store nearest you and to learn about the adoption center’s fees and guidelines, visit www.PetSmartCharities.org/adoption or call 1-877-473-8762.

All of PetSmart Charities’ programs are made possible through donations. You can contribute to programs that save lives by making a donation online, by email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or by calling 623-587-2826. Your donation may be tax deductible.

Learn how you can help find homes for adoptable pets in your own neighborhood by downloading PetSmart Charities’ new Facebook application, Share a Pic, Save a Pet.

About PetSmart Charities®
Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).