Pet adoptions set record at weekend event

Six pets found loving local families on Saturday during the PetSmart National Adoption Event, held in collaboration with the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri.

“It was the most we’ve had adopted at the event,” said Director Corretta Bishop.

She believes the numbers were helped by the foster-to-adopt program, which lets people bring home prospective pets to see if they’re a match, with the option to return them if needed. The event has also gotten more traction since its inception with bigger crowds and food trucks.

“I love the fact people are starting to realize we’re there,” she said.

Besides adopting out four cats and two dogs, the AWA got a chance to educate people about their community programs and fundraising opportunities. This includes the pet food pantry, which helps pet owners in financial emergencies by distributing a bag of dog or cat food to them monthly. Alongside PetSmart’s adoption event was the Fill the Truck pet food drive to replenish the food pantry. Donations filled over half the bed of a pickup with dog food. Cat food is still needed.

“We really appreciate what our community’s support does for us,” Bishop noted.

Upcoming fundraisers are a charity concert on June 8 at The Camp followed by the annual Art for Animals sale in July, held in conjunction with the Margaret Harwell Art Museum. The AWA is also engaged in a capital campaign to pay off its no-kill shelter building.

The next AWA adoption event will be in May. Until then, the shelter is always ready to schedule adoption appointments for those seeking a new pet.

“Come in, be respectful to the animals and the staff, and we will definitely find you your new best friend,” Bishop said. “We’ll work with you.”

The AWA is located at 1904 S. Westwood Blvd. and more information can be found on their website, awasemo.org, and Facebook page.