Pedigree Dog Adoption Drive 2008

At the Westminster Dog Show in New York earlier this month Pedigree, a long-time sponsor of the show, kicked off their annual dog adoption drive. They have a fully integrated campaign to promote the adoption drive including eloquent print and TV ads, a website (www.dogsrule.com) and a pop-up dog store/adoption center in Times square that sells “dogs rule” merchandise, the proceeds of which all go to the newly established Pedigree Adoption Drive Foundation (a non-profit).

Pedigree notes that over 4 million dogs enter shelters every year, for various reasons including when their owners move or get divorced - about half of these dogs are eventually euthanized because the shelters just can’t find homes for them. Pedigree offers free food for a month to anyone who adopts a shelter dog, and they encourage informed decision making and responsible pet ownership on their site with these great articles:

• Things to consider
• Questions to ask
• Responsible dog ownership
• Socializing your dog
• Free adoption guide (PDF file)

Pedigree also promote volunteer opportunities on their site, and helps people find shelters near them. They even have a section featuring happy-ending adoption stories!

Are you thinking of adopting a pet?
Many of these concepts apply to adopting other pets as well as dogs. Visit the Companions for Life website to find articles and links to help you evaluate if you’re ready to adopt a homeless animal, as well as cat-specific adoption information and videos to help you effectively introduce your new cat or dog into the family.

Are you a shelter helping to find animals a new home?
Companions for Life has developed a follow-up program to help shelters systematically check on the well-being of those companion animals who have been placed in a home, without compromising their existing resources. "Analyzing Adoptions" is a concise, simple, and proven program that helps you ensure effective follow-ups with minimal time and training. Check out our website for more information!

The Companions for Life adoptions library page also has useful articles and links to information that can help you more effectively “market” the pets you have for adoption and increase your adoption rates.

Happy adopting!