Adopt a Watch Buddy for FearFest

If you love Halloween as much as we do, you know all the scary October festivities are best experienced with a buddy by your side. Humans are cool, but a furry friend will be there 24/7 to help you get through every fright, scream and howl. That’s why we teamed up with our friends at Shudder and AMC’s FearFest to spread the word about pet adoption during their Halloween celebrations! The movies on AMC’s FearFest and Shudder are already scary enough as it is, you shouldn’t go through an entire month of horror without a watch buddy! (Plus, a lovely black cat would be very theme appropriate.🐾😺Consider adopting your very own Freddy, Michael, or Elvira and sit down to enjoy the thrills with your fur friend!

Now in its 24th consecutive year, AMC’s annual horror marathon FearFest is bringing the frights with an entire month of genre programming from iconic franchises like Halloween and Insidious, and the return of award-winning docuseries Eli Roth’s History of Horror. Shudder, dubbed “the ultimate in streaming horror” by Newsweek, offers the best selection of original and classic horror, thriller and supernatural films and series, uncut and commercial free. Both are also now available as part of the new AMC+, a premium streaming bundle featuring only the good stuff.

See the full FearFest lineup.
Find the Best in Horror at Shudder

Meet the Seresto® Circle of Love Grant Recipients

We are very excited to announce the 2020 Seresto® Circle of Love grant winners! Each of these organizations dedicate themselves to caring for vulnerable animals in need of homes, and making sure they find the forever homes they deserve. Congratulations to all of the recipients!  Keep reading to learn more about them, the wonderful work they do, and how they will put their Seresto® collars to good use!

Seresto® Circle of Love Has Even More to Give

October is National 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 $80,000 in Seresto® product grants to 15 organizations and there’s a lot more where that came from. We’re happy to announce the final round of the Seresto® Circle of Love program, in collaboration with Seresto®. We’ll need your help with choosing some of the recipients once again. Stay tuned for your next chance pick our social winner and check out the previous winners here.

Heroes of the Month

 

Everyone needs a hero sometimes, pets included—and across the country, pet lovers are stepping up to help. We couldn’t let those heroes go unnoticed, so, we collaborated with our friends at Chewy to highlight the people and organizations doing the work to change pet lives. Our monthly “Heroes of the Month” series features the people, as well as shelters and rescues from across the U.S. that continue to make a difference in animal welfare. They’ve gone above and beyond to ensure that animals in need are loved and cared for, and we are so thankful for their presence.

Read more about each month’s heroes in the links below and check back often for updates!

August

From Arizona to Indiana to Kansas, These Pet Lovers Are Making a Difference

September

These Pet Lovers are Making a Difference in California, Georgia and Illinois

October

Heroes of the Month: These Cat Lovers Are Giving Back in Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and Washington, D.C.

November

These Animal Lovers Are Going the Extra Mile in Alabama, Minnesota and Wyoming

December

Heroes of the Month: These Animal Lovers Are Going the Extra Mile in Colorado, Delaware and Nevada

January

A Literal Lifesaver: Debra Jo Chiapuzio Donates Pet Oxygen Masks to First Responders

 

DOGust Giveaway Rules

The Adopt-a-Pet.com DOGust Sweepstakes

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.

PROMOTION DESCRIPTION:  The Adopt-a-Pet.com DOGust Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) begins on or about August 1st, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on August 8th, 2020 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). To enter the Sweepstakes, leave a comment on the Adopt-a-Pet.com Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter accounts with a pet adoption story and tag the organization you adopted your pet from (each comment is considered a “Submission”). If the organization mentioned in comment does not have a social media account just including the organization name counts as part of the Submission.  At the end of the Sweepstakes Period, Twenty-Five (25) Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible Submissions received during the Sweepstakes Period, as more fully set forth below. One (1) Winner will also have a donation sent to the organization he/she tagged in their Submission. By participating in the Sweepstakes, each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Humane America Animal Foundation, d/b/a Adopt-a-Pet.com, 310 N. Indian Hill Blvd., #800, Claremont‎, CA ‎ 91711, (“Sponsor”), which shall be final and binding in all respects.

ELIGIBILITY:  The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry.  Officers, directors and employees of Humane America Animal Foundation d/b/a Adopt-a-Pet.com (“Sponsor”) and its parents, subsidiaries, licensors, affiliates, sponsors, partners, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies (all such entities and individuals referred to collectively herein as the “Promotion Entities”), and the immediate family members and/or those residing in the same household of each are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize.

HOW TO ENTER:  During the Sweepstakes Period, comment on Sponsor’s Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram page (http://facebook.com/adoptapetcom, http://instagram.com/adoptapetcom, http://twitter.com/adoptapetcom), and tag the organization you adopted your pet from. Submissions must be received by the end of the Sweepstakes Period.  Any personal information collected by Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes will be used in accordance with its online privacy policy, located at http://www.adoptapet.com/public/privacy_policy. Proof of submission is not considered proof of delivery to or receipt of such entry.  Sponsor shall have no liability for any Submission that is lost, intercepted or not received by the Sponsor.

If you choose to enter using your mobile device, standard data fees may apply. You should consult your wireless service provider’s pricing plan for details. You agree to incur any and all charges demanded by your wireless carrier. You should also check your device’s features for capabilities and check the device manual for specific use instructions.

By entering, each entrant warrants and represents the following with respect to entrant’s Submission: (a) entrant is the sole and exclusive owner of the Submission; (b) the Submission will not infringe on any rights of any third parties; and (c) any third parties included in the Submission have given entrant appropriate consent to be included in the Submission in accordance with these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to request releases from any third parties included in any Submissions at any time. Failure to produce third party releases upon Sponsor’s request may result in disqualification, as determined by Sponsor is its sole and absolute discretion.

WINNER SELECTION: Sponsor (in its sole discretion) will select the Grand Prize winner from all eligible Submissions received during the Sweepstakes Period.  The Prize winner will be notified through direct message on the platform he/she posted to (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter).  Sponsor shall have no liability for any winner notification that is lost, intercepted or not received by the potential winner for any reason.  If any potential winner does not respond within the time required by Sponsor, or if the winner notification is returned as unclaimed or undeliverable to any potential winner, such potential winner will forfeit his or her prize and an alternate winner may be selected.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES/INDEMNIFICATION:  Each person who enters this Sweepstakes (and his or her parent or legal guardian, if the entrant is under the age of majority in his or her state/province of residence [a “minor”]) represents and warrants as follows: (i) the Submission is the entrant’s own original, previously unpublished, and previously unproduced work; (ii) the Submission does not and will not violate or infringe upon the intellectual property rights or other rights of any other person or entity; and (iii) the Submission does not and will not violate any applicable laws, and is not and will not be defamatory or libelous.  Each entrant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold the Promotion Entities harmless from and against any and all third party claims, actions or proceedings of any kind and from any and all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses relating to or arising out of any breach or alleged breach of any of the warranties, representations or agreements of entrant hereunder.

PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Sweepstakes, in addition to any other grants which may be granted in any other agreement entered into between Sponsor and any entrant in or winner of the Sweepstakes, each entrant irrevocably grants the Promotion Entities and their respective successors, assigns and licensees, the right to use such entrant’s name, likeness, biographical information and Submission, and any individual(s) participating therein, in any and all media for any purpose, including without limitation, advertising and promotional purposes as well as in, on or in connection with the Website or the Sweepstakes or other promotions, and hereby release the Promotion Entities from any liability with respect thereto.

PRIZES: The Grand Prize winner will receive a Chewy Birthday Box (goody box) containing a scarf, treats, and pet toys. The Grand Prize winner will also have (25) twenty-five goody boxes sent to the organization mentioned in his/her comment on their behalf. Twenty-four (24) First Prize winners will receive a Chewy Birthday Box (goody box). The approximate retail value of each goody box is $40.

RANDOM DRAWING/ODDS: Winner(s) will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received on or about two (2) weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes Period or the date listed in Sponsor’s Giveaway Post. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received for the drawing. Drawing will be conducted by Sponsor or a Sponsor representative. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these rules and the decisions of the judges, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

GENERAL PRIZE CONDITIONS:  No cash alternative or prize substitutions will be allowed, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize(s) or opportunities or comparable out-of-pocket cost value if any prize or opportunity listed is unavailable, in whole or in part, for any reason.  The Prize winners shall be solely responsible for all federal, state and/or local taxes, and the reporting consequences thereof, and for any other fees or costs associated with the Prize. 

GENERAL LIABILITY RELEASE/FORCE MAJEURE: Entrants agree that the SPONSOR, THE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM (I.E, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND/OR INSTAGRAM) AND THEIR ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS AGENCIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENT COMPANIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, PARTNERS, REPRESENTATIVES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS (COLLECTIVELY, “RELEASED ENTITIES”) (a) shall not be responsible or liable for any losses, damages or injuries of any kind (including death) resulting from participation in the Sweepstakes or any Sweepstakes-related activity, or from entrants’ acceptance, receipt, possession and/or use or misuse of the prize(s), and (b) have not made any warranty, representation or guarantee express or implied, in fact or in law, with respect to the prize(s), including, without limitation, to such prize’s quality or fitness for a particular purpose. Entrants will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Entities from and against all third party claims arising out of or relating to Entrant’s Submission. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any damage to an entrant’s computer system which is occasioned by accessing the Website or participating in the Sweepstakes.  Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who is found to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or the Website and/or the Entry Site, to be acting in violation of these Official Rules, or to be acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with the intent to disrupt or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes, or to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person, and Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages and other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law.  These Official Rules cannot be modified or amended in any way except in a written document issued in accordance with the law by a duly authorized representative of Sponsor.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.  In the event that any provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, these rules shall otherwise remain in effect and shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained herein.

ADDITIONAL TERMS: Any attempted form of entry other than as set forth above is prohibited; no automatic, programmed; robotic or similar means of entry are permitted. Released Entities are not responsible for technical, hardware, software, telephone or other communications malfunctions, errors or failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, web site, Internet, or ISP availability, unauthorized human intervention, traffic congestion, incomplete or inaccurate capture of entry information (regardless of cause) or failed, incomplete, garbled, jumbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit one’s ability to enter the Sweepstakes, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Sponsor may select the winners from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or web site. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant 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 representatives.

DATES & DEADLINES/ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF ENTRANTS:  Because of the unique nature and scope of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, in addition to those other rights reserved herein, to modify any date(s) or deadline(s) set forth in these Official Rules or otherwise governing the Sweepstakes.  Sponsor cannot accurately predict the number of entrants who will participate in the Sweepstakes.

GOVERNING LAW/JURISDICTION:  ALL ISSUES AND QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES OR THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ENTRANTS OR SPONSOR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OF CONFLICT OF LAW RULES OR PROVISIONS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF ANY OTHER STATE’S LAWS.

WINNERS LIST/OFFICIAL RULES:  To obtain a copy of any legally-required winners list, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to 310 N. Indian Hill Blvd., #800, Claremont‎, CA ‎ 91711.  All such requests must be received within six (6) weeks following the end of the Sweepstakes Period.  These Official Rules will be posted on the Website.

THIS PROMOTION IS IN NO WAY SPONSORED, ENDORSED OR ADMINISTERED BY, OR ASSOCIATED WITH ANY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM, INCLUDING FACEBOOK, TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM. YOU ARE PROVIDING YOUR INFORMATION TO SPONSOR AND NOT TO THE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM (E.G., FACEBOOK, TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM).

 

 

Click a Button, Help Some Animals!

Doing our best to help animals in need is our main focus here at Adopt-a-Pet.com. We jump at any opportunity to give more pets the ability to live their best lives. Because we know how amazing it feels every time we hear a success story, we want to bring you in on the cause. We need you to help us pick one of the recipients of our Seresto® Circle of Love product grants! It only takes one click to cast a vote! Your vote will help provide deserving animal welfare organizations with much needed flea and tick preventative products.

Voting is now open! Head to our InstagramFacebook, and Twitter to cast your vote for the one you want to win the grand prize social grant! Learn more about the finalists below.

Houston Pets Alive!

Who they are: 

Houston Pets Alive! Is a Texas based rescue that acts as a safety net for surrounding municipal shelters, to save the animals who have no other options.

“Houston Pets Alive! believes that every dog and cat, despite age, breed, or medical condition, deserves a loving home, and the scope of our intake protocol looks beyond these traditional barriers. Our goal is to save every adoptable animal and prepare them for their next chapter in life,” said HPA development manager, Cat Lopez.

For Houston Pets Alive!, a Seresto® product grant would not only allow them to help pets in need, but it would also be an opportunity to educate adopters in their community.

“Part of advocating for our animals includes making sure that pet owners know how to adequately care for their new pet. With Seresto® on board, HPA! could feel confident that our adopted animals’ flea and tick needs are taken care of. Further, we can recommend this effortless, cost-effective solution to new owners, and educate them on how easy good pet-parenting can be!” Lopez said.

“The Seresto® Circle of Love grant would also benefit incoming shelter animals. HPA! saves 2,500 animals every year and aids over 25 Houston-area rescues. With these numbers, Houston Pets Alive! spends over $80,000 in medical supplies annually,” Lopez added. “These expenses include medications, a large portion of which goes towards keeping our pets protected from heartworm, fleas, and ticks. By being awarded this grant, Houston Pets Alive! could dedicate more of its budget to medications for animals with compromised health. That means more second chances for seniors, heartworm positive dogs, and critically ill animals.”

Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast

Who they are: 

Open since 1911, Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast is a non-profit organization that serves needy animals throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. They focus not only on helping abandoned and stray animals find homes, but also on educating the public about animal welfare and advocating for the humane treatment of animals everywhere.

“Sometimes a pet’s stay with us can be quite long, so having Seresto® collars that last would be such a relief! We all know how parasites spread quickly in a shelter and we could not be more excited if we win this grant!” Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast’s assistant manager, Renee Duffy, said.

Receiving a Seresto® product grant would provide Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast peace of mind and would allow them to give much-needed products to the pets in their care.

 

 

 

 

The Little Acts that Gave 30 Organizations BIG Help

Nothing brings us more joy than spreading a bit of happiness by helping the vulnerable animals around us. That’s why we were so excited when our friends at the Advantage® brand offered $100,000 in Advantage® II cat flea protection to the shelters and rescues in our network. We received so many passionate grant applications from organizations in need. It was difficult to choose just 30 organizations, and we want to thank all those who applied for the Little Acts Big Help Advantage® Grant Program. And, a huge thanks to our compassionate sponsors at the Advantage® II brand for making this grant program possible.

Congratulations to all of the recipients! Check out their stories, learn more about the good work they do, and how Advantage® II will help them save more animals in the slideshow below.

Can You Foster or Adopt During the Coronavirus Quarantine?

two adoptable white dogs

Schools are closed, restaurants are closed, gatherings are limited, and many people are avoiding public places altogether — life as we know it has changed dramatically over the last few days thanks to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Unfortunately, animal shelters and rescues have also been impacted by the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

 

Shelters Temporarily Closing

Due to requests from officials that Americans practice social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus, many cities across the country have basically shut down. Animal shelters and rescues are operating with a reduced workforce and some have had to close to the public or cancel events. It’s likely that many more will need to do so as more cities take steps to slow down the virus, which would halt pet adoptions, and possibly prevent new animals from coming in. The closures would also mean shelter pets will have fewer interactions with people. 

Help by Fostering

Those of us that are already spending more time at home may be able to help during coronavirus quarantines. Shelters across the country are urging animal lovers to foster while practicing social distancing. They are hoping to reduce the strain on pets, and their facilities, by moving as many animals as possible out of shelters and into foster homes. Fostering a pet typically means temporarily bringing an adoptable pet into your home while he or she waits for a more permanent home. Foster parents help prevent overcrowding in shelters, and can be especially helpful for animals that are stressed out or need special care. 

Consider Pet Adoption

If you are able to take in a pet permanently and live near a shelter or rescue that is still accepting adoption applications, right now is a perfect time to bond with a new pet. Since many of us are working from home, or have had to stop working altogether, there is more time available to train a new pet and really enjoy the early days of pet ownership. Studies have also shown that pets can lower stress levels, so a new puppy or cat may even help reduce some of the anxiety most of us are feeling. 

 

You can find an organization near you by searching through our site. Official announcements about the COVID-19 are changing rapidly so it is a good idea to call ahead and to find out if your local shelter is still open. If the shelters and rescues near you are no longer accepting adopters or fosters, you can also donate or contact a food bank to see if they are taking supplies.

Pets and Coronavirus: Preparing to keep the whole family safe from COVID-19

woman and dog wearing face mask

If you’ve been keeping up with the news — or reading your Facebook timeline — you’ve likely heard about the coronavirus (officially named COVID-19) and may be wondering what actions to take to keep yourself safe. And if you’re a proud pet parent, you’re probably also wondering how your pets might be affected.

 

The deadly virus that began as a handful of respiratory illnesses in central China has now made its way to more than 70 countries, and recently started spreading in the United States. With more than 3,400 global coronavirus deaths, it is understandable to feel a bit confused and uneasy about the coming weeks and months. The good news is that the fatality rate is expected to go down as more mild cases come to light, and so far there is no evidence that pets are at risk of contracting or spreading the virus. So, even if you don’t want to be shaking hands with the mailman right now, you can still give your dog a big ol’ snuggle to comfort you through this outbreak.

 

Health and government officials say the best we can do to keep ourselves safe is avoid panic, practice proper hygiene and social distancing, and prepare. Though the coronavirus was recently elevated to a pandemic, for most it presents as a mild infection, and as officials have said preparation is our best defense. The rapid spread of the virus serves as a reminder that we should always have an emergency preparedness kit ready. Your kit should include items for your pets and instructions should you be away from them.

 

In the case of COVID-19, there is likely no need to stock-pile months and months worth of items, but having some extras set aside in a kit in case you are quarantined at home or local stores are closed is a good idea. Here’s what to stock up on for your pets, with coronavirus closures on the horizon.

 

Two-week supply of food and water

dog with food bowlIt’s smart to have at least one extra bag of pet food on hand in case of any emergency, but with COVID-19 there are some additional things to keep in mind. Due to businesses and factories around the world temporarily shutting down due to coronavirus, pets may be hard to shop for as supplies may be low over the next few weeks. You can avoid long lines and potentially empty shelves at your local store by ordering online.

Though COVID-19 will likely not affect our water systems, all emergency kits should include enough water to last at least two weeks. Consider your pet’s water intake needs when you calculate how much water to stock up on.

 

Medication

bottles of dog medication

 

If your pet has specific medications she takes, it’s a good idea to have a two to three month supply on hand. You can speak to

your vet about concerns you have over COVID-19 and get your pet’s prescriptions filled early. If you’re already limiting your time out in public to minimize risk, you can even order your medications along with your other pet supplies.

Make sure to write out instructions for your pet’s medication and provide your vet’s contact information, in case you have to leave her with a friend or relative. It’s also important to include copies of your pet’s vaccination record and medical history in your kit.

Relief Items

Frisco brand poop bags
Some other non-food items that might be affected by a slow down in production include: fresh litter if you have a cat, poop bags, and urine cleaner. Purchase some extras to put in an emergency kit and to have on hand should stores run low. These will come in handy if you and your pet are stuck inside for an extended period of time.

 

Toys and Entertainment 

chihuahua playing with chew toy
Speaking of being stuck inside, the spread of COVID-19 has already led to flight cancellations and school closures. As communities work to stop the spread, more and more public places may shut down. This could mean your regular trip to the dog park might be cancelled for a while and keeping boredom at bay may start to be a real issue, especially if you have high energy pets. Prepare pets for coronavirus closures by purchasing fun toys for your pets to keep them mentally stimulated and so they can get their energy out while at home. We suggest a variety of toys including balls to fetch to ensure your pet is getting physical exercise and puzzles to keep her mind occupied.

 

Have a plan for pet care

girl kissing small dogLast, but not least, create a plan for your pet in case you do get sick and need to be away for an extended period. Talk to friends and family to figure out where your pets could stay if you are quarantined due to coronavirus. Pets may be able to stay with friends or family, but if that is not an option do some research on local boarding facilities and have a couple of options ready in case you need to be hospitalized. Make sure to write out instructions for their daily routine to make the transition easier.

 

We’ve all seen the crazy long lines at big box stores, and the memes about how hard it is to get toilet paper these days, but as officials have said, we do not need to panic. Situations like the one we are in with COVID-19 just serve as a reminder that we never know when an emergency will strike and to always have a plan in place. An extra treat for your best bud, some puppy (or kitty, or chinchilla…) snuggles, a solid Netflix queue, and a deep breath will also help with getting through this.