Cat’s Cradle of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc. has received a $20,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help prepare more homeless pets in the Shenandoah Valley for adoption.
Approximately 4 million pets find themselves in U.S. shelters each year. In partnership with PetSmart Charities, Cat’s Cradle will bring adoptable pets to two PetSmart locations in support of National Adoption Week, which will be held March 29 at the Waynesboro and Harrisonburg PetSmart stores.
The grant funding will enable Cat’s Cradle to offer cats and kittens for adoption fully vetted and spayed/neutered.
“We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for its support of our lifesaving foster and adoption program. This grant will be used to defray expenses for veterinary care, volunteer support, and marketing activities related to preparing rescued cats and kittens for adoption, which allows us to expand direct intake from our shelter partners in their efforts to promote transfers and adoptions,” said Cat’s Cradle Board President Jennifer Kirkland.
According to Kirkland, the grant will enable Cat’s Cradle to meet its goal of increasing its presence in the Waynesboro PetSmart location and provide 90 adoptions.
“With that kind of partnership, along with our intensive spay/neuter program and pet retention programming, we have made real progress toward no-kill goals in the communities we serve. That progress is due, in no small part, to the financial support of PetSmart Charities over the years,” Kirkland said.
Merrell found her forever home with a cute little ballerina.
“Merrell is truly one of the best cats I’ve ever had. She is amazing with my two young children and our dog. She always wants to be a part of everything that is going on in the family. We all adore her so much,” said mother Rebecca.
PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. PetSmart stores feature adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are on hand to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members.
“Shelters across the U.S. are struggling to keep pace with the number of animals coming in and need support from their communities to bring pets and people together. We’re proud to support Cat’s Cradle of the Shenandoah Valley and the essential work they do to care and advocate for the animals that come through their door in need of loving families. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or by making a donation,” Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities, said.
Members of the community can find out more about Cat’s Cradle’s adoption program and other community programs online. Since 1998, Cat’s Cradle has worked to promote a compassionate community for cats and to reduce intake and euthanasia of cats into area shelters. The organization supports it mission by spay/neuter, pet retention, and rescue/foster/adoption/transport programs. Each year, Cat’s Cradle helps to alter over 3,925 cats, assists around 127 families with pet retention/medical assistance programs, and rescues/adopts out over 600 cats and kittens.
Adoptable pets will be available Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waynesboro and Harrisonburg PetSmarts. Cats available for adoption are viewable online.
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Rebecca Barnabi
