This just in ... Dogs hold a slight edge over cats halfway through the eighth annual Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption campaign. So far, 217,819 pets have been adopted and gone to their lifelong homes in the first five weeks of the program.
"What began as a friendly rivalry between dog lovers and cat lovers is turning into a battle for supremacy at pet rescue organizations worldwide. With dog adoptions leading cat adoptions 51.2 percent to 48.8 percent, the battle is heating up," said Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center and founder of Iams Home 4 the Holidays.
More than 2,491 pet rescue organizations worldwide are participating in this year's annual campaign with a goal of finding homes for 350,000 animals. This year's adoption drive runs from Nov. 6, 2006, through Jan. 2, 2007.
After the first five weeks, participants report: 105,507 dogs, 100,429 cats and 11,883 other pets -- including rabbits, reptiles, birds and tortoises -- have packed up their shelter belongings and moved in with their new families. The total of 217,819 adoptions to date is 23,726 adoptions higher than this same point last year.
"We know that more families invite new pets into their homes during the holidays than any other time of year. All we ask is that people visit their area animal shelter and rescue groups first to find their new furry companion," said Arms. "In the past seven years, this national program has placed more than one million pets, and we are already well on our way toward another hugely successful year."
Helen Woodward Animal Center started the Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive back in 1999 with 14 animal shelters in San Diego County. Since that time, it has grown to include shelters and rescue groups from around the globe. As always, during this year's adoption drive, each new adopting family will receive an Iams Pet Food starter kit containing food samples, coupons and important tips on pet care, behavior, training and nutrition.
Prospective pet parents can learn more about the Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive by calling (800) 421-6456 or visiting http://www.home4theholidays.com or http://www.iamsfriendsforlife.com.
About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.
About Iams
For nearly 60 years, Iams Pet Food has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba? and Iams? Dog & Cat Foods, the Eukanuba Veterinary Diets line of canine and feline prescription diets or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Pet Care and Nutrition Center at (800) 863-4267 or visit http://www.iams.com.
About Procter & Gamble
Two billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the largest and strongest portfolios of trusted, quality brands, including Pampers?, Tide?, Ariel?, Always?, Whisper?, Pantene?, Bounty?, Pringles?, Folgers?, Charmin?, Downy?, Lenor?, Iams?, Crest?, Actonel?, Olay? and Clairol Nice 'n Easy?. The P&G community consists of nearly 98,000 employees working in almost 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
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