215 Shelter Pets Find Responsible, Loving Homes During
Global Pet Adoptathon® Kickoff Weekend
Since 1995, North Shore Animal League America’s Global Pet Adoptathon has been helping to save the lives of homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens from all parts of the world. Joining forces with more than 2,000 of our shelter partners from near and far, we help facilitate thousands of adoptions during this month-long, lifesaving event!
To celebrate the start of each Pet Adoptathon, Animal League America hosts a special two-day kickoff event at our Port Washington, N.Y. campus to promote adoption and raise awareness for the plight of shelter pets everywhere. This year, the kickoff was held on Saturday May 5 and 6, and marked the weekend that 215 Mutt-i-grees of all ages, sizes, and breeds, were sent home with their perfect matches.
The lives of each and every one of these lucky shelter pets changed forever when they were adopted, the lives of the people who adopted them were immediately enriched as well. It’s that type of instant connection between our animals and their adopters which continue to push us to do the work we do each day.
“I want to take a moment to thank everyone here for choosing to adopt today. It makes such an impact on so many lives when you make that choice. We hope that every animal adopted this weekend goes to a responsible, loving home where they can live happy, healthy lives for many years to come,” said Sylvia Ottaka, Animal League America Senior Director of Operations, just before the ribbon cutting ceremony which marked the official beginning of the event. “Not only are we celebrating so many new beginnings here today, but Global Pet Adoptathon is beginning all over the world. We’re teaming up with animal welfare organizations from all parts of the globe to save as many lives as possible for the rest of the month of May. We couldn’t be more excited to get started!”
Here are a few scenes from our opening weekend, courtesy Lori Cannava Photography.
Our 2018 Adoptathon kickoff weekend was focused around finding homes for our loveable shelter pets, but there were plenty of exciting happenings and activities taking place on campus. DJ Teal Camner and her adorable dog, Mixmaster Marley, were keeping the crowd energized all Saturday long with upbeat hits from the DJ booth, while several of our adoptable dogs left the constant line of people in awe as they ran, jumped, and playfully wrestled in the fenced-in play area. Also mingling with potential adopters was everybody’s favorite bobble head, Mr. Met! The loveable mascot of the New York Mets held some of our adorable puppies, posed for photos, and even kissed a few babies along the way.
We’d also like to give a special thanks to Purina® for once again sponsoring Global Pet Adoptathon. It’s with their steadfast support for the last 18 years that we continue to have the resources to save more lives and care for more homeless pets from all over the country and around the globe. Members of the Purina team had a tent set up next to the dog pickup area – the perfect spot to hand out branded items to new adopters and congratulate them on Getting Their Rescue On!
Global Pet Adoptathon continues throughout the month of May. Find a participating shelter near you and adopt your new best friend.
Become A Partner in Rescue
Do you want to be part of our next Global Pet Adoptathon? Whether you’re a shelter, rescue group, school, or a community of animal lovers – we want you to join us in this life saving mission. Register your organization today!