Author: Frances Vega

October is Pet Wellness month and we couldn’t think of a better way celebrate all the wonderful animals out there than by giving them the products they need to stay happy and healthy. We’ve already awarded more than $60,000 in Seresto^® product grants to 15 organizations and there’s a lot more where that came from. With giving season on the horizon, we’re excited to provide shelters and rescues with another opportunity to participate in the Seresto^® Circle of Love program, in collaboration with Seresto^®. One end of year recipient will get more than $17,000 worth of Seresto^® product. Stay tuned for more information on the program and how shelters and rescues are putting their grants to good use!

 

 

Regardless of the reason for the switch, chances are you will need to transition your cat to a new food at some point in her life. When it’s time to make the change, try to take your time with your cat’s transition from one food to the next.

Cats have sensitive stomachs and may become ill or stop eating if their food is changed abruptly. This can happen when a new food alters the intestinal environment, which may lead to diarrhea, vomiting and a refusal to eat—that’s why it’s best to gradually wean your cat off the current food and onto the new one.

Our friends at Purina recommend using the “1/4 every 4 days” rule:

• Add 25% new food every four days until your cat is completely transitioned to the new diet.
• Start by feeding your cat 75% of her current food and 25% new food for the first four days.
• On the fifth day switch to 50% current food and 50% new food for the next four days.
• By day nine you should be feeding 25% “old” food and 75% new for the following four days.
• In a little less than two weeks your cat will be fully transitioned to the new food!

Do you and your pets love Halloween? Show us your furry friend’s best Halloween photo. It can be your dog howling at the moon, your Orange Tabby playing with the pumpkin, or even your pup having fun in his favorite costume! Use your imagination and you could win an Adopt-a-Pet.com swag bag and a chance to be featured!

All you have to do is follow these three steps:

1. Follow @adoptapetcom on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

2. Upload a Halloween inspired photo of your pet to your preferred social media account (make sure your account is set to public during the contest period for your entry to count). Make sure you are not using makeup or dyes on your pet or using a costume that can harm them in any way!

3. Caption the photo with hashtag #SpookyPets and tag @adoptapetcom in the pic

We want to see all of your pet’s spooky sides so feel free to enter often and with multiple pets! The contest will run October 4, 2017 through November, 4, 2017.

Submissions received will be judged based on creativity, originality, if your pet seems like they are having fun, photo quality, and adherence to the contest rules.

Please be sure to follow the photo guidelines when posting:

1. Pets in photos should be in a safe and relaxed environment, and you should not place makeup or dye on your pets. Please do not post photos in situations that could be harmful or stressful to your pets. If they are not having fun, don’t do it!
2. Photos must be visible to the public.
3. Entries must adhere to the Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter guidelines.
4. All photos must be original for entry to count.

One chosen winner will receive an Adopt-a-Pet.com goodie bag and will be featured on our blog and social media channels. Multiple stand out entries will be featured on social media throughout the contest period.

OFFICIAL RULES Continue reading “Trick or Treat! Awesome Contest Alert”

Whether you’re adopting a new fur babe into the family or thinking about switching your dog’s current food, choosing what to feed a dog can be overwhelming. There are seemingly hundreds of available diets and food brands for dogs, which can make it hard to determine what food is best for your canine pal. To make things easy, our friends at Purina put together a list of the most important things to look for when deciding what to feed your dog.

 

Focus on your dog’s nutrition — not yours.

It may be tempting to choose what to feed your dog based on what sounds appealing to you, but it’s important to remember that you and your dog have different nutritional needs. For example, grain-free and gluten-free diets are extremely popular with people, but they may not be the right option for your dog.

 

Your dog’s food should always meet (or surpass) regulatory standards.

Every dog food needs to meet federal (FDA) regulatory standards in order to be sold, and many dog food companies elect to follow guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Look for a food with a statement on the label that says the food meets AAFCO’s requirements for your dog’s life stage.

 

Pay attention to your dog’s activity level, size, and weight.

When choosing what to feed your dog, think about how active your dog is. Very athletic or working dogs can benefit from a diet with high protein or fat, but if your dog’s only exercise is a short walk around the neighborhood, he might do better on a light or healthy weight dog food. Your dog’s breed and size can also be a factor. Large and giant breed dogs, for example, are more likely to suffer joint problems, so you may want to choose a food formulated with glucosamine, which helps support healthy cartilage.

 

Look for a dog food that’s complete and balanced.

Because dog food makes up the entirety of your dog’s diet, his food has to deliver all of the nutrients he needs to help keep him healthy. That’s why it’s so important to choose a food that is labeled “complete and balanced.”

 

Consider your dog’s food preferences.

When you’re choosing between complete and balanced dog foods, you may want to take your dog’s individual preferences into account. Just like humans, every dog has different taste preferences. Some dogs like salmon while others might prefer veal. That’s why dog foods come in a variety of textures and flavors, so you can find a healthy food your dog is sure to enjoy, whether he likes wet food or dry food, or whether he prefers a classic flavor like chicken or a more unique one like venison.

 

Ready to choose a dog food? Click here to find some foods that may work for your dog.

SENIOR NUTRITION

Cats have unique needs at different stages of their lives and even though your senior cat may still look and act like a rambunctious kitty, that doesn’t mean her nutritional needs are still the same. Continue reading “What to Look for in Senior Cat Food”

ADOPT A PET TRICK OR TREAT GIVEAWAY 

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THE PRIZE IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VALID ONLY IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. ALL DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY VIA BINDING ARBITRATION AND ENTRANTS WAIVE THE ABILITY TO BRING CLAIMS IN A CLASS ACTION FORMAT.

 

By participating in the Adopt A Pet Giveaway (the “Sweepstakes”), you unconditionally accept and agree to comply with and abide by these Official Rules (“Official Rules”) and the decisions of Kinship Partners, Inc.  (the “Sponsor”) which shall be final and binding in all respects. All applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. 

1. SPONSOR: The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Kinship Partners, Inc. (“Sponsor”). 
2. ELIGIBILITY: To enter the Sweepstakes, you must, as of the start of the Sweepstakes Period (defined below), (i) be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, (ii) above the age of majority in your place of residence; and (iii) sign up for a valid Adopt A Pet account. Employees, officers and directors of Sponsor, its advertising and promotion agencies, and its respective parent companies, affiliates, franchisees, subsidiaries and agencies, and their immediate families (parents, siblings, children and spouses of each, regardless of where they live) and members of the households (whether related or not) of such employees, officers and directors, are ineligible to participate in this Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and is void where prohibited by law. 
3. SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD: Entries must be submitted between 12:00:01 am Pacific Time (“PT”) on October 1, 2023 and 11:59:59 pm PT on November 5, 2023 (“Sweepstakes Period”). Sponsor’s computer, or that of its designee, shall serve as the official timekeeper for the Sweepstakes. 
4. HOW TO ENTER: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. During the Sweepstakes Period, share your confirmed adopter story with Adopt A Pet following the provided instructions and automatically receive one (1) entry into the Sweepstakes (the “Entry”). Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address. Incomplete entries will not be accepted and are void. 

By submitting an Entry, Entrant understands and grants to the Sponsor an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive worldwide license to use his/her/their Entry in advertising and/or promotional activities worldwide without compensation, permission or notification. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to alter, change or modify any Entry.

5. SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE PRIZE WINNER: On or about November 12, 2023, Sponsor or its designee will conduct a random drawing from among all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. Four (4) winners will be selected from the eligible entries. Following the drawing, the winner will be notified via email and will be required to respond with his/her/their full name, shipping address, email address, and phone number within three (3) days via return email. Noncompliance will result in disqualification, and an alternate winner may be selected. Any potential prize winner who does not reply to a prize notification with the required information and within the specified time period will be disqualified and an alternate winner may be notified. If a prize notification is returned as undeliverable, or if the selected prize winner fails to claim the prize or if selected winner cannot accept or receive the prize for any reason, or he/she/they is not in compliance with these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected. If Sponsor is unable to determine and verify a potential winner after repeated alternate drawings or if Sponsor fails to receive a sufficient number of entries to correspond to the number of prizes available to be awarded, Sponsor reserves the right to not award such prize(s). 

Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. 

 

6. PRIZE AND APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (“ARV”): 

 

• One grand prize winner will receive: 

• $500 Gift Card to PetSmart

• 6-month subscription of The Kin ($30)

• Casper dog bed ($139-$249)

• Greenies TBC ($9.98 – $39.98)

• Wisdom Panel DNA kit SKU: 51002 ($127.99)

 

• Whistle Go Explore ($129)

 

• Three (3) winners will receive:

• $25 Gift Card to PetSmart

• 2-month subscription of The Kin ($9)

• Casper dog bed ($139-$249)

• Greenies TBC

 

 

Odds of winning prize depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. No transfer, substitution or cash equivalent for prize is allowed, except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize, in whole or in part, of equal or greater monetary value if the prize or any portion of the prize cannot be awarded, in whole or in part, as described for any reason. Actual retail value of the prizes or prize components may differ from stated ARV and Sponsor will not award any difference between actual value and ARV. Limit of one (1) prize per person. Actual prizes may differ from any promotional images. Prize winner is responsible for all federal, state, or local taxes associated with prize acceptance. 

Prizes are not redeemable for cash, assignable, transferable and may not be substituted except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value at its discretion. Any other incidental expenses on prize not specified herein are the winner’s sole responsibility.

Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied by Sponsor. Winners acknowledge that the Sponsor and all other businesses affiliated with this Sweepstakes and their agents do not make, nor are in any manner responsible for any warranty, representations, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the quality, conditions, fitness or merchantability of any aspect of the prize being offered, except that each merchandise prize shall be subject to its manufacturer’s standard warranty (if any). 

Except where prohibited by law, entry and acceptance of prize constitute permission to use winner’s name, prize won, hometown, likeness, video tape, photographs, and statements for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity (including online posting) in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification or permission.

7. GENERAL: Participating entrants agree to these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and release the Sponsor  and all affiliated companies, as well as the employees, officers, directors and agents of each (the “Released Parties”), from all claims and liability relating to their participation in the Sweepstakes, and the acceptance of and use/misuse of the prizes offered. Participating entrants assume all liability for and Released Parties shall be held harmless against any liability for any injury, losses or damages of any kind to persons, including personal injury or death, or injury to property caused or claimed to be caused in whole or in part,  directly or indirectly, by participation in this Sweepstakes, acceptance, possession, or use/misuse of the prize, or any claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy, or merchandise delivery. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of the prize. 

In the event of a dispute over the identity of an entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the email account from which the entry is submitted. Authorized Account Holder means the natural person to whom the email account is registered. Sponsor may ask any entrant or potential winner to provide Sponsor with proof, to Sponsor’s satisfaction, that such party is the authorized account holder of the email account associated with the entry. Entry materials/data that have been tampered with or altered, or mass entries or entries generated by a script, macro or use of automated devices are void. The Released Parties are not responsible for: (i) lost, late, misdirected, damaged or illegible entries; or (ii) error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions of any kind, or inaccurate transmission of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site or any combination thereof; or (iii) any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in the Sweepstakes. By participating in the Sweepstakes, you (i) agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and (ii) agree to be bound by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Failure to comply with these Official Rules may result in disqualification from the Sweepstakes. 

Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes cannot be run as planned, Sponsor may disqualify any suspect entries or individuals from the Sweepstakes and any sweepstakes it sponsors and (a) suspend the Sweepstakes and modify the Sweepstakes to address the impairment, then resume the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; and/or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. 

8. PRIVACY: As a condition of entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant gives consent for Sponsor to obtain and deliver his, her or their name, address and other information to third parties, for the purpose of administering this Sweepstakes and to comply with applicable laws, regulations and rules, including, without limitation, the storing of your personal information for purposes of complying with state record retention requirements. Any information entrant provides to Sponsor may be used to communicate with entrant in relation to this Sweepstakes or on a Sweepstakes winner’s list. Personal information collected from entrants are subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, which can be found at https://www.mars.com/privacy.
9. SWEEPSTAKES CONDITIONS: By entering, each entrant agrees: (a) to be bound by these Official Rules and any other documents required by Sponsor herein and by the decisions of the Sponsor, and to waive any right to claim ambiguity in this Sweepstakes, the Official Rules or any other documents required by Sponsor herein, (b) to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Sponsor and all affiliated companies,  and all other businesses involved in this Sweepstakes, as well as the employees, officers, directors and agents of each (the “Released Parties”), Sponsor  and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives and agents (collectively, “Released Parties”) from and against any and all liability, claims, losses, damages, demands, causes of action, penalties and expenses arising out of or related to any statement, action or failure to act by entrant during or in connection with his/her participation herein and/or any breach or alleged breach of these Official Rules or of any other documents required by Sponsor and, (c) not to sue and to hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liabilities, claims and demands of any kind or nature whatsoever, in law or equity, whether known or unknown, which entrant (or entrant’s successors-in-interest, heirs and/or agents) ever had, now have, or in the future may have against the Released Parties, including, but not limited to claims arising out of or related to personal injury (including death) and/or damage, theft, loss or any other harm resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from (i) participation in the Sweepstakes or any Sweepstakes related activity, (ii) the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prize, (iii) the use of any of the rights granted herein (including, without limitation, the use and exploitation of the entrant’s entry, name, address (city and state), biographical information, statements, voice, photograph, and/or other likeness), (iv) any malfunction or other problem with any Sweepstakes website or webpage, (v) any error in the collection or retention of entry information, and (vi) any typographical or other error in the printing, offering or announcement of any prize. 
10. GOVERNING LAW AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules or the rights and obligations of entrants, Sponsor or the Released Parties in connection with the Sweepstakes will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of any other laws.

BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, ENTRANT AGREES THAT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW: (A) ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES, OR ANY PRIZE AWARDED, WILL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION; (B) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS AND AWARDS WILL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL THIRD-PARTY, OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS INCURRED (IF ANY) NOT TO EXCEED TEN DOLLARS ($10.00), BUT IN NO EVENT WILL ATTORNEYS’ FEES BE AWARDED OR RECOVERABLE; (C) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY ENTRANT BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN ANY AWARD FOR, AND ENTRANT HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO SEEK, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS AND/OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, OTHER THAN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED TEN DOLLARS ($10.00), AND/OR ANY RIGHTS TO HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR OTHERWISE INCREASED; AND (D) ENTRANTS’ REMEDIES ARE LIMITED TO A CLAIM FOR MONEY DAMAGES (IF ANY) AND ENTRANT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR EQUITABLE RELIEF. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. 

11. TERMINATION/SUSPENSION/MODIFICATION OF SWEEPSTAKES: If for any reason this Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including, but not limited to, infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud or any other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, fulfillment or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and to select the winner by conducting a random drawing from those eligible entries received up to the time of the termination/suspension. Sponsor may also disqualify or prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize in this or any other promotion conducted by Sponsor if, at its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant has violated the Official Rules or has threatened or is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick-entry programs), or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor’s representatives. ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES) FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. 
12. DISPUTES: The parties hereto each agree to finally settle all disputes only through arbitration; provided, however, the Released Parties shall be entitled to seek injunctive or equitable relief in the state and federal courts in New York and any other court with jurisdiction over the parties. In arbitration, there is no judge or jury and review is limited. The arbitrator’s decision and award is final and binding, with limited exceptions, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court with jurisdiction. The parties agree that, except as set forth above, any claim, suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Sweepstakes shall be resolved solely by binding arbitration before a sole arbitrator under the streamlined Arbitration Rules Procedures of JAMS Inc. (“JAMS”) or any successor to JAMS. In the event JAMS is unwilling or unable to set a hearing date within fourteen (14) days of the filing of a “Demand for Arbitration”, then either party can elect to have the arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or any other mutually agreeable arbitration administration service. If an in-person hearing is required, then it will take place in New York, New York. The federal or state law that applies to these Official Rules will also apply during the arbitration. Disputes will be arbitrated only on an individual basis and will not be consolidated with any other proceedings that involve any claims or controversy of another party, including any class actions; provided, however, if for any reason any court or arbitrator holds that this restriction is unconscionable or unenforceable, then the agreement to arbitrate doesn’t apply and the dispute must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Williamson County, Tennessee. Sponsor agrees to pay the administrative and arbitrator’s fees in order to conduct the arbitration (but specifically excluding any travel or other costs of entrant to attend the arbitration hearing). Either party may, notwithstanding this provision, bring qualifying claims in small claims court. 
13. WINNER CONFIRMATION REQUEST: For a written confirmation of the prize winner, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Sponsor at Adopt A Pet Giveaway Winner Confirmation Request, 440 Park Avenue South, Fl. 5 Attn: Adopt A Pet Marketing Team, New York, NY 10016, by no later than December 31, 2023. 
14. SEVERABILITY: If any provision(s) of these Official Rules are held invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect. 

All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners in the United States and abroad. All rights reserved.

 

Harley Belle’s adoption story: I’m a neonatal and critical care kitten and puppy foster mama. Last summer, I got a call (from the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga, TN) about a mama and her 6-hours-old babies who had been left in a cardboard box on the side of a major road. The cardboard box had no air holes and was so incredibly taped up, it took animal control officers over 10 minutes to even open the box.

Mama and her babies came to stay with me where she raised them all to be the sweetest babies who all got adopted out into our community. Mama stayed in foster care with us after her babies got adopted and we quickly came to realize that she was a missing piece of our family that we never knew we needed. She cuddled our dogs, played with our resident cats, and cuddled up on my boyfriends chest to sleep every night.

We officially adopted her and haven’t looked back since! #catdaysofsummer

About Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga: Our mission at Humane Educational Society is to provide a safe haven for homeless, injured, abused and neglected animals in our community and advocate on their behalf. We believe that each animal deserves a second chance and a loving forever home.

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Penny’s adoption story: Penny was love at first sight! We found her in a big cage all by herself in the back of the Lowell Humane Society. She had been napping, but noticed us there and quickly came over to the cage door and started pouring love all over us! She’s incredibly talkative and friendly and follows us around all the time. Penny is a super social cat, she meows and purrs and trills constantly as she’s just so very happy! She loves us so much, always coming up to us looking for petting. She loves her face and ears being rubbed along with her belly! We got very lucky to find Penny as she has brought so much happiness to our lives and honestly is making us better people.

About Lowell Humane Society: Founded in 1873, the Lowell Humane Society is one of the oldest humane organizations in the state of Massachusetts. The purpose of the Lowell Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, provide care for homeless and distressed animals and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. The shelter is a private not for profit organization and does not receive any city, state or federal funding. Operations are supported through the generous support of individuals, businesses and foundations. Our services include:

* Pet Adoptions
* Humane Education
* Information Services
* Lost and Found Service

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