Sunday, May 20, 2018 – New York, NY – New York City’s largest annual pet adoption event — Adoptapalooza — took place today in Union Square Park, and several hundred formerly homeless animals are on their way to new loving homes as a result..
Hosted by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals (the Alliance), and presented in partnership with the Petco Foundation, this event offered fun for the whole family!
The great pets looking for new families at Adoptapalooza — all spayed/neutered and vaccinated — were presented for adoption by more than thirty local animal shelters and rescue groups that participate in the Alliance. Adoption fees varied by rescue organization.
- Bruno Brunelli, a two-year-old, 65-pound Bully pup with a huge smile and a waggy tail available for adoption from Zani’s Furry Friends.
- Mellissa, a sweet two-year-old Siamese cat rescued from the streets of Queens by Linda’s Cat Assistance.
- Princess McFluffypants, a gorgeous, long-haired girl, nine years young, presented for adoption by The Patricia H. Ladew Foundation.
Alliance President Jane Hoffman offered good reasons for adopting a family pet from a shelter or rescue group instead of purchasing from a pet store or irresponsible breeder:
- Shelters and rescue groups know their animals’ personalities and are great at matching pets with prospective owners.
- Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group avoids supporting puppy mills, which breed animals under cruel and deplorable conditions.
- Shelters and rescue groups offer a wide variety of breeds and mixes, including many pure breeds.
- Rescue pets have already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and many have been microchipped; and adoption fees generally are considerably lower than fees charged by pet stores and breeders.
Hoffman, who was on hand for the event, said, “Adoptapalooza is a wonderful opportunity for New Yorkers to meet hundreds of animals and find the perfect fit for themselves and their families. And by choosing adoption, you’re able to consult with individuals who have spent time with and know the animals to help best make that fit. I’d like to thank the Petco Foundation, all of today’s sponsors, our army of volunteers, and participating rescue organizations — and, of course, our wonderful new adopters — for helping these deserving animals find loving forever homes.”
In addition to pet adoptions, Adoptapalooza featured music; face-painting and fun temporary tattoos for kids by The Cheeky Chipmunk; tricks and training tips from a certified Petco dog trainer; dog licensing by the NYC Department of Health; microchipping for dogs and cats by Vetco; emergency preparedness information from New York City Emergency Management / Ready New York; a special Star Wars booth promoting the new movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story, premiering in theatres May 25; free pet photos and free personalized pet ID tags courtesy of the Alliance; and pet food and product giveaways from event sponsors.
Rock & Rawhide, a non-profit organization that distributes donated supplies to shelters and rescue groups, collected clean blankets, towels, and pet toys to distribute to NYC-area shelters.
The event was emceed by Stephanie Mattera, Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals Spokesperson, and Sean-Patrick M. Hillman, Chairman, President & Co-Founder of Rock & Rawhide.
About the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals®
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that works with more than 150 partner rescue groups and shelters to offer important programs and services that save the lives of NYC’s homeless animals. The Alliance is supported entirely by donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals and receives no government funding. Since its founding in 2003, the Alliance has remained committed to transforming New York City into a community where no dogs or cats of reasonable health and temperament will be killed merely because they do not have homes. AnimalAllianceNYC.org
Media Contact
Steve Gruber, Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals
Phone: (917) 359-6003
E-mail: steve@AnimalAllianceNYC.org
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