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Giving Precious Pets a Chance at a Forever Home

However, pet relinquishment is preventable through education. Potential pet adopters, who take the time to honestly evaluate their situations and get answers to important pet ownership questions before bringing pets into their homes, can increase their chances of having a permanent pet adoption.

Adopt-A-Pet.com(1) isNorth America's largest non-profit pet adoption Web site with more than 5,766 public and private animal shelters and humane societies posting information on adoptable pets. Their vast resource of shelter and rescue organizations provides thousands of pets with loving homes each year. Recently, Purina Pets for People surveyed more than 180 Adopt-A-Pet.com animal welfare organizations nationwide to develop a "Permanent Pet Adoption" checklist. The list provides pet adopters with the Top 10 most important things they should consider to ensure a positive and successful adoption experience.

Commitment is Key

According to the survey, the number one thing a prospective pet owner should consider to ensure a permanent adoption is whether they're ready to make a real personal commitment to care for the new pet for its entire life, just as they would with a child. Another important factor potential pet owners must consider is that a pet affects other parts of their lives, like housing, travel and children, for as long as they have the pet, which can be up to 15 years for a dog and 20 years for a cat. More permanent adoption tips from the "Permanent Pet Adoption" checklist, such as never giving a pet as a gift or making sure your living situation is pet-friendly, can be found at Adopt-A-Pet.com.

Victoria Stilwell, a respected dog trainer, author and host of the television program "It's Me or the Dog," believes that potential pet owners need to ask the right questions prior to adopting a pet, so they will be fully prepared for both the rewards and the challenges that come with pet ownership.

"Education prior to adoption is one of the best ways to reduce the number of pets surrendered by their owners," says Stilwell. "Prospective pet owners need to clearly understand how a pet will fit into their lives for the long term, and whether or not it's a good fit before they adopt. It's my goal to keep as many deserving dogs and cats in forever homes as possible and it starts with proper education."

Permanent Homes for Fluffy and Fido

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy cites proactive educational efforts as essential to reducing the number of pets that are relinquished to shelters and rescue organizations. However, not everyone takes the time to fully assess the responsibilities and requirements associated with pet ownership before bringing a four-legged friend into their home. The solution for keeping pets in forever homes lies in education, and that's why the "Permanent Pet Adoption" checklist can be a valuable resource for potential pet adopters.

"Selfless rescue organization volunteers and shelter workers are extremely knowledgeable on the pets they have in their care," says Brenda Bax of Purina Pets for People. "Whether they're mixed or breed-specific organizations, they can offer advice, resources and valuable information to anyone interested in adopting a dog or cat. The better educated prospective adopters are about the pet they are bringing into their lives, the greater the chances that the pet will have a loving forever home."

Current and prospective owners can visit Adopt-A-Pet.com to search for adoptable animals in shelters and rescue organizations in their local area. While visiting the Web site, potential pet owners can also download the "Permanent Pet Adoption" checklist and watch a video featuring Victoria Stilwell offering pet adoption tips. Current pet owners, who have made the commitment to have permanent pets in their homes, can keep on eye out in their local papers for Purina Pet Lover Savings coupons on pet food and treats.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company.

    1. Formerly known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet

     CONTACT:
     Josh Rangel: 312.729.4168
     GolinHarris or
     Kaite Flamm: 314.982.2163
     Nestle Purina PetCare Company

SOURCE Purina Pets for People