HUNDREDS OF ADORABLE PETS WILL BE UP FOR ADOPTION ACROSS CANADA THIS MONTH

If you’ve ever wanted to be a pet owner, now’s your chance.

According to PetSmart Charities of Canada, animal shelters across the country remain overwhelmed “with lost, abandoned and surrendered pets.”

To help address the issue, PetSmart will be hosting its quarterly National Adoption Days event from November 2 to 22.

This year’s event differs from years past, offering a virtual component “to help prospective pet parents jumpstart their adoption journey from the comfort of their homes.”

Users can search by postal code online and view “hundreds of adoptable animals” from more than 185 animal welfare organizations across the country.

According to PetSmart, users can customize their search, and specify whether they are seeking a cat or dog and their desired age, breed, colour, and size.

“Once users find a pet they are interested in, they will be able to learn more about them and schedule meet-and-greets with adoption partners before visiting their local PetSmart to finalize the adoption process,” the release states.

Ahead of the holiday season, PetSmart says it is ensuring pets who find their forever homes are ready for life with their new parents by providing a free adoption kit worth over $300 in savings for all the supplies they may need, including a coupon for a free bag of dog or cat food.

Those who aren’t ready to adopt a pet can still help pets in need by donating food and supplies to local drives held in participating PetSmart stores, or by making a financial donation online through PetSmart Charities of Canada.

“Now is a great time to adopt a shelter pet in need of a home,” said Amanda Landis-Hanna, DVM and senior manager of veterinary outreach at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “New pets will need an adjustment period and bringing home a new furry family member now allows them to acclimate to their new environment before the busy holiday season, and best of all, gives a deserving pet a loving home for the holidays.”