American Humane Association Celebrates its 125th Anniversary with Launch of a National Pet Adoption Program

American Humane Association
Wednesday, 5 June 2002

Network of Shelters Rally to Find Homes for 125,000 Homeless Pets With Support From Purina PetCare Company and Wal-Mart

The first ever, national pet adoption program is set to sweep the nation in celebration of the American Humane Association's (AHA) 125th Anniversary. With an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats being euthanized each year in U.S. animal shelters, AHA is partnering with Purina PetCare Company and Wal-Mart stores to launch the "Very Best Pet Network," an aggressive adoption program aimed at finding much-needed homes for up to 125,000 pets in 2002. Mobilizing approximately 3,000 animal shelters nationwide beginning in June, the ground-breaking Network is expected to significantly increase pet adoptions by raising consumer awareness for local shelter animals.

At the heart of the program is a foundation of more than 2,700 Wal-Mart stores partnering with local animal shelters to help educate America about the joys, opportunities and responsibilities of adopting a pet. 100 million Wal-Mart shoppers who visit the stores each week will have the opportunity to visit an informative adoption bulletin board in their Pet Department. The board will be frequently updated with local adoption information and pictures of dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes looking for a new home in their neighborhood.

To fuel the excitement for the program launch and to celebrate that June is national Adopt-A-Cat Month®, the Network will feature extra support, including free supplies of Purina pet food to help new adopting families get started on the right paw. The same additional support will be offered during national Adopt-A-Dog Month™ in October. Helpful pet care information and program details will also be available year round at www.VeryBestPet.com.

To further support the efforts of participating shelters, Purina will make a generous $125,000 donation to the Very Best Pet Network Fund. The AHA will administer the Fund and award grants to shelters in recognition of their support and contributions to the Network. The funds will be used by the shelters on a local level to promote pet adoptions.

"The Very Best Pet Network will dramatically help unify shelters across the nation and match thousands of homeless cats and dogs with good homes," said Bob Roth, Vice-President of Marketing, American Humane Association. "Thanks to the dedication and support of Purina and Wal-Mart, this unique program will provide AHA with the critical resources to save thousands of animals this year."

The Very Best Pet Network will be supported by a national public service campaign on Animal Planet, national public relations efforts, and grassroots in-store support. Consumers are encouraged to visit www.VeryBestPetNetwork.com for information about local opportunities.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association (AHA) is the only national organization dedicated to animal and child protection. From its headquarters outside Denver, Colorado, and from regional offices in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, AHA provides national leadership in the development of programs, policies, and services on behalf of animals and children who are abused and neglected. For more information, visit www.americanhumane.org.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a leader in the pet food industry, dedicated to improving the lives of cats and dogs through quality nutrition and care. Nestlé Purina was formed when Friskies PetCare Company and Ralston Purina merged in December 2001. The new organization combines their rich histories, diverse resources and complimentary strengths, offering pets and their owners a wide variety of innovative, high quality and nutritious products. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, where Ralston Purina was founded more than a century ago. For more information about products and other community programs, visit www.Purina.com.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates more than 2,740 discount stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, and more than 500 SAM'S CLUBS in the United States. Last year Wal-Mart associates raised and contributed $196 million to support communities and local non-profit organizations. More information about Wal-Mart can be located on-line at www.walmartstores.com and www.walmart.com.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org