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| Contact: | Kim Noetzel Communications Manager 623-587-2872 KNoetzel@PetSmartCharities.org |
PetSmart Charities Expands Nation's Largest Homeless Pet Transport Program to Northeast
Northeast Rescue Waggin’ Program to Help Save More Than 5,000 Dogs’ Lives Each Year
PHOENIX – Oct. 26, 2006 – PetSmart Charities today expanded its Rescue Waggin’ program, the nation’s largest homeless pet transport program, to 12 Northeastern states where it will help save the lives of more than 5,000 dogs annually. Since 2004, the program has already saved more than 10,000 puppies and dogs from euthanasia by transporting them from overcrowded shelters in the West and Midwest to shelters in areas with a demand for more adoptable dogs.
With euthanasia rates as high as 80 percent in some regions of the Northeast, the Rescue Waggin’ helps find new homes for homeless dogs, and works proactively to reduce pet overpopulation with supportive spay/neuter grants. The program will partner with more than 25 animal welfare agencies
in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, covering 23 percent of the U.S. population.
“The Rescue Waggin’ program has made it possible for shelters to not only save the lives of thousands of homeless dogs, but to improve their methods of shelter operations and begin to establish strong, local spay/neuter programs as well,” said Victoria Wellens, Executive Director of Wisconsin Humane Society.
Each custom-designed Rescue Waggin’ truck holds between 30-60 dogs, and safely and humanely transports its canine passengers to their new hometowns. The dogs ride in temperature-controlled comfort with access to water and toys throughout the trip. Drivers trained in animal handling and pet first aid monitor the dogs via closed-circuit video and provide rest stops throughout the trip.
PetSmart Charities expects to add one truck with a new route each year.
To learn more about the Rescue Waggin’ program or PetSmart Charities, visit www.petsmartcharities.org/programs/rescue-waggin.php or call 1-800-423-PETS.