PetSmart Charity Brings Dogs To Loving Homes

Every year PetSmart charities gives thousands of dogs and puppies from shelters that have run out of space and resources, the ride of their lives. Their Rescue Waggin’ program transports adoptable dogs from overcrowded shelters to communities where they are in demand. Today the rescue program gives it’s 50,000th dog another chance at a forever home.

The Rescue Waggin’ program unites animal shelters from across the nation in an effort to help more healthy and adoptable dogs find homes. It is the first and largest pet transport program in the U.S. and has been labeled as the “gold standard.”

“The success of the Rescue Waggin’ program is evident in the participating shelters’ increased adoption numbers and significant reductions in euthanasia rates. We are thankful for the cooperation among our shelter partners and look forward to saving even more lives,” said Susana Della Maddalena, vice president and executive director of PetSmart Charities.

Thankful To Be Part of This Mission

The milestone transport started at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society in New Mexico and ends at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Colorado. Both shelters have seen decreased euthanasia rates and increased adoption rates.

“Partnering with PetSmart Charities and their Rescue Waggin’ program has been one of the most important life-saving opportunities our shelter has ever implemented,” said Mary Martin, executive director of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society. “We’re thrilled the 50,000th dog is coming from our shelter. The program has truly changed the nature of rescuing, and we are thankful to be part of this wonderful mission.”

The Rescue Waggin’ program has expanded from one site in the Midwest in 2004 to 60 shelters in 22 states today. Specially equipped vehicles can comfortably transport as many as 50 to 60 puppies and dogs at a time, providing them with a temperature-controlled environment, complete with piped-in lullaby music.

Thousands Of Lives Saved

“We are so excited and proud to be the recipient of the 50,000th dog transferred through PetSmart Charities’ Rescue Waggin’ program,” said Lisa Pedersen, CEO of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. “Since joining this program in 2007 as the Great Plains region destination shelter, we’ve re-homed 8,294 dogs with loving families.”

PetSmart Charities’ Rescue Waggin’ program has also has helped many shelters improve their operations program and manage their pet populations in a more sustainable way. The program is three pronged; transporting dogs to new homes, providing spay/neuter grants to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and to help improve operations locally. Visit the Rescue Waggin’ program to learn more http://www.petsmartcharities.org/rescue-waggin/

Based on a story by marketwatch

Original Article