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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals Partners with Iams Home 4 the Holidays to Help Reach 1.5 Million Pet Adoptions
Program Goal is to Help Place 1.5 Million Homeless Animals into Loving Homes between October 2009 and January 4, 2010
New York, NY – Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, along with its network of Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs), is collaborating with Iams Home 4 the Holidays again this year to help increase New York City area responsible animal adoptions between October 2009 and January 4, 2010. With more than 25 of its partner rescue organizations and shelters participating in the adoption campaign this year, and a full schedule of adoption events lined up for the holidays, the Mayor's Alliance is doing its part to make sure as many animals as possible find homes this holiday season.
Pet adoptions are perhaps more crucial this year than ever. Because of economic challenges, foreclosures, job loss, etc., some New Yorkers are deciding to give up their pets to area shelters, while others are putting off adopting a pet at a time when they most need the comfort of a loving pet in their home. New York City shelters are filled with wonderful cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals awaiting new homes. To encourage New Yorkers to open their homes to a wonderful pet in need, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals has planned a comprehensive lineup of adoption events throughout the city, and has partnered with the successful Iams Home 4 the Holidays annual adoption campaign to promote adoptions during the holidays. The complete schedule of adoption event locations can be viewed at www.HolidayPetAdoptNYC.org.
Throughout the Home 4 the Holidays campaign, Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C) shelters has extended its adoption hours until 7:30 p.m. each day. It also is waiving the adoption fee for cats one year and older, and offers gift adoption bags to adopters while supplies last.
"By combining the dedication and passion of the remarkable shelters, rescue groups and volunteers that comprise the Mayor's Alliance with the inspiring and successful Iams Home 4 the Holidays program, we hope that more New Yorkers will open their hearts and homes to a new furry family member, bringing joy this holiday season and for years to come," said Jane Hoffman, president of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals.
Iams Home 4 the Holidays has successfully placed more than 2 million pets into homes since it began in 1999. The campaign has announced its most aggressive goal to date, which is to find loving homes for at least 1.5 million animals between October 1, 2009, and January 4, 2010. Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center in 1999, Iams Home 4 the Holidays harnesses the power of nearly 3,000 worldwide animal organizations in a global effort to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption. This year, two-time Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank is partnering with Iams Home 4 the Holidays. Hilary has adopted and rescued many pets throughout her life, including her two dogs Karoo and Rumi, as well as cats and birds.
By providing resources and information about participating rescue groups and shelters, the program encourages potential pet owners to adopt their next companion, not purchase from a pet store. For those who cannot adopt a pet, the program also provides opportunities to foster an animal, volunteer, or donate.
Important Facts
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There are as many as 8 million* orphaned pets in the United States. |
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As many as 4 million* orphaned dogs and cats will be euthanized this year due to shelter overcrowding, according to a pet population study by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). |
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For anyone interested in adopting a purebred dog, it's helpful to know that roughly 20–25 percent of all dogs in animal shelters are purebreds. |
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More than 15 countries participate in this adoption drive, making Iams Home 4 the Holidays one of the world's largest pet adoption programs. There are participating shelters in Canada, Iran, Australia, India, New Zealand, Iraq, and more. |
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Iams Home 4 the Holidays has helped more than 1,047,000 dogs, 962,000 cats and 66,000 other animals, such as rabbits, reptiles, birds, and more, find homes over the past nine years. |
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The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals is committed to making NYC a no-kill city by 2015. Since its inception in 2002, the Alliance's collaborative efforts have reduced the euthanasia rate in New York City from 74 percent in 2002 to 39 percent in 2008. |
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Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals pet adoptions by AC&C and Maddie's Pet Partners (APOs) have increased from 12,692 in 2003 to 26,593 in 2008. |
* According to a pet population study from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
The pet adoption campaign takes place through January 4, 2010, and anyone who adopts from a Home 4 the Holidays participating shelter or rescue group will receive an Iams Adoption Starter Kit, which includes a care guide loaded with tips and information about pet care, behavior, training, and nutrition. The kit also includes the new pet's first meal as well as coupons for great savings on additional pet food, other supplies, and animal health insurance.
To learn about the myriad ways to help an orphaned pet, including finding participating shelters, volunteering and making a donation to support animal organizations and pets awaiting new homes, visit www.HolidayPetAdoptNYC.org or www.IamsHome4theHolidays.com.
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