Adopting an abandoned or rescued animal has become a trendy way to bring a new pet into the home.
It’s the socially preferred way to obtain an animal, said Sharon Prushinski, shelter outreach coordinator for Petfinder.com, the online database of adoptable pets offered by shelters and rescue groups. The free site has facilitated almost 20 million adoptions since 1996, helping people locate animals available in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The fact that more celebrities “opt to adopt” puts pet adoption squarely in the public eye, Prushinski said.
“We are seeing more and more people choosing to adopt a pet rather than purchase one,” she said. “It’s part of a larger trend of social responsibility. Getting a great pet and knowing you saved a life is an amazing combination.”
On Sunday, Summit County Animal Control will host Adoption Options, a Petfinder workshop sponsored by the Petco Foundation, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Summit County Fairgrounds, 229 E. Howe Road, Tallmadge. The national program will teach animal-rescue volunteers how to maximize their groups’ exposure and get animals into new homes as quickly as possible.
The one-day event will feature several sessions with experts in the animal-welfare field. Attendees can expect to learn tips and tricks for increasing adoptions, basic training for shelter dogs and vaccination protocols.
Petfinder has invited representatives from Ohio member groups that feature their animals on the website.
“They are sending their fliers out to anyone registered that is a Petfinder member in a 150-mile radius, and emailing invitations to members in a 300-mile radius,” said Christine Fatheree, director of Summit County Animal Control.
Petfinder.com provides a forum for more than 13,700 adoption groups to feature their animals, with photos and information about the more than 350,000 pets the agencies are trying to relocate. Information provides a potential adopter an idea of the breed, age, temperament, habits, likes and dislikes of the animal and even a report on its history and health.
“How would a person learn those things about a pet from a store?” Fatheree asked.
One of the workshops will feature several of Animal Control’s dogs to demonstrate simple and effective training methods that will make animals more attractive to potential adopters, Fatheree said.
Petco Foundation representative Sue Sternberg will demonstrate how to teach dogs simple commands and explain the importance of maintaining a true quality of life for animals living in a shelter.
Cost for the program is $20 ($10 for Petfinder members) and includes lunch and all class materials. Registration may be made through Thursday by emailing adoptionoptions@petfinder.com to get on the roster. Payment can be made at the door. Or go to www.petfinder.com/adoptionoptions/ and choose the Akron event in the drop down menu and pay via PayPal.
Kathy Antoniotti can be reached at 330-996-3565 or kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.
