FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sep. 1, 2019 — For the 11th year, Mars Petcare is covering all fees for pet adoptions at the region’s three largest pet shelters, Metro Animal Care & Control, Nashville Humane Association and Williamson County Animal Center, as part of its annual BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program “Adoption Weekend.”
Area residents who are ready to offer a pet a loving home can visit any of the three facilities on Saturday (Aug. 24) or Sunday (Aug. 25) to find the perfect new furry family member. Mars Petcare Associates will also be on site at each facility to offer guidance on responsible pet ownership and to provide pet food and other needs for every pet adopted.
“Pets provide countless benefits that make our lives better – they make us feel less lonely and decrease stress – yet, millions of pets end up in shelters every year, and only half find a loving home,” said Mark Johnson, President of Mars Petcare North America. “Mars Petcare is committed to ending pet homelessness, and ensuring pets are welcome in more places so people and pets can live happy, healthy lives together. Since we launched our adoption event 11 years ago, we’ve helped thousands of pets find forever homes, and we’re grateful to continue that mission right here in our own backyard.”
Mars Petcare has also enlisted two new teammates to promote this year’s Adoption Weekend – Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan and his adopted dog, Leo. “Finding shelter pets a loving ‘team’ of their own is my passion, and the reason I started the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation with my wife, Ashley,” said Ryan. “Adopting a dog truly changed my life for the better and I’m proud to partner with Mars Petcare to help people throughout Middle Tennessee open their hearts and homes to a new pet.”
The Mars Petcare Adoption Weekend is part of the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program, which focuses on encouraging communities throughout the country to become more pet-friendly. In partnership with local governments, non-profits and businesses, the program aims to ensure there are fewer pets in shelters, more green spaces and parks, and more businesses that open their doors to people and pets.
Middle Tennessee has been a leader in the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program, which was developed in partnership with the Civic Design Center. In fact, both Nashville and Franklin were among the first to secure the new BETTER CITY FOR PETS™ certification this summer, which evaluates and recognizes cities based on their commitment to pet-friendliness in businesses, parks, shelters and homes.