$4 Million Pledged to Find Homes for 5,000 Shelter Pets
January 17, 2013
Contact:
Sharon Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Communications
925.310.5458
fletcher@maddiesfund.org
The fourth annual Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days is sure to be one for the record books. On June 1 and 2, 2013, more than 200 shelters and rescue groups from eight communities across the nation will participate in the adoption event, which will place thousands of pets into their forever homes. Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days is America's biggest free pet adoption event.
Maddie's Fund® decided to expand this year's event to include adoption sites across the U.S. because of the continued success of Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days on a local level. Every year, the number of adoptions has increased with a total of 6,722 dogs and cats adopted during the event's three-year history.* This year, the hope is to adopt 5,000 animals during the two-day event by expanding the geographical boundaries to reach 11 million more people.
The participating metro areas for 2013 are:
- New York City (New)
- Washoe County, NV (New)
- Dane County, WI (New)
- Alachua County, FL (New)
- Santa Clara County, CA (New)
- Alameda County, CA
- Contra Costa County, CA
- San Francisco County, CA
The goal of Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days is to give all healthy, senior and treatable shelter dogs and cats a second chance. As in past years, adoptions of dogs and cats will be free to qualified adopters. In return, Maddie's Fund has set aside $4 million so that it can give each shelter or rescue group $500 - $2,000 per adoption.**
Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days is being held to increase awareness of shelter animals and their need for loving homes, and to shed light on the tireless efforts of the shelters and rescue organizations across the country that work so hard to save the lives of countless dogs and cats every day. The adoption event honors the memory of the foundation's namesake, a Miniature Schnauzer named Maddie.
*For a year-by-year snapshot, including number of participants, animals adopted and total dollar amount given by Maddie's Fund, click here 
**Maddie's Fund will pay organizations $500 per regular adoption, $1,000 for each adoption involving a dog or cat who is seven years of age or older or who has been treated for one or more medical conditions and $2,000 for each adoption involving a dog or cat who is seven years of age or older and who has been treated for one or more medical conditions (a list of medical conditions can be provided upon request).
About Maddie's Fund
Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to their inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy from 1987 – 1997 and continues to inspire them today.
The Foundation has awarded over $265 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.
Maddie's Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions. The Foundation invests its resources in a commitment to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.