Adoption is THE Option

by Kimberly Wade

One of my favorite events is back, happening Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28—Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days! For two days only, all adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats at participating organization across Nevada—that’s right, I said Nevada! It’s a statewide adoption event, one that I’m leading as part of Maddie’s® Pet Project in Nevada, a new initiative that aims to create a safety net for cats and dogs by increasing adoptions from shelters and improving access to veterinary care in underserved areas throughout the entire state.

Mark Robison, the co-executive director of Maddie’s® Pet Project in Nevada (and who actually created this Animal Files column years ago) comments, “We are so excited to help groups find good homes for the pets in their care. Thanks to the generosity of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation and Maddie’s Fund, we will reimburse animal organizations $300 for every cat or dog they adopt during the event so they are able to waive their normal adoption fees.”

Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days is a win for everyone. Homeless pets across the state will be adopted by loving families, instead of residing in a shelter. Animal organizations will be awarded $300 for every single dog and cat they adopt—funds they can then use for other animals that will be in their care. The people win too! Think of the hundreds (although we estimate 1,000 adoptions will take place statewide) of families that will be adding to their family! They now get to wake up with an adorable cat or dog—who we know will bring them unconditional love and so much more. Benefits of a pet include making people happier and healthier, lowering your blood pressure and reducing stress. They also help provide companionship for seniors and give kids the opportunity to become more socially well-adjusted.

Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days kicked off on Thursday, when Governor Brian Sandoval issued a special proclamation for Nevada. April 26 is the birthday of Maddie, a miniature schnauzer who brought joy to the Duffields and inspired them to help other pets have a good life—and it’s now dubbed Maddie’s Day, in honor of her legacy and all of the pets that will continue to be helped by this initiative.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now is the time. The initial fees are waived (but of course, caring and providing for a pet is a commitment and certainly not free) and when you adopt shelters will receive that awesome donation of $300.

Participating organizations are at this link or, if you are in northern Nevada, contact these groups for their specific adoption hours and locations:

• Shelters: Nevada Humane Society (Reno and Carson City), SPCA of Northern Nevada (Reno), Pet Network Humane Society (Incline Village), Canine Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary (CRCS, Washoe Valley) and Catmandu (Carson City).
• Rescues: Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation and The Littlest Things, holding adoptions at Pet Station in Incline Village; Boxers and Buddies and Res-Que, holding adoptions at Petco Northtowne; Animal Rescue Group of Northern Nevada (ARGONN) holding adoptions at PetSmart Spanish Springs; and Another Chance, holding adoptions at Petco Carson City.

Remember, contact a specific group to find out their hours and locations—many have multiple locations and if they don’t have a shelter (the rescue groups) they are not open all day. Need help navigating all of this? Call us at 775-399-3853 and we’ll guide you to an adoption agency. Happy adopting!

Featured Pet: I’m Tiva! Yes, you’ve seen me before and you will until I go home! I’m a four-year-old gal who tends to be mellow and introverted—though I love a good cuddle. I’ve been at Nevada Humane Society much longer than others, and the staff loves me but I really deserve a home. I’m a pit bull so I have that little frowny face that makes me look grumpy, but I promise you I’m not. Give me a chance—visit me today!