MORRIS ANIMAL REFUGE ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO ADOPT A NEW BEST FRIEND DURING PETSMART CHARITIES NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK JULY 21 – 29
Philadelphia, PA – July 17th, 2025 – Pets are family, and can bring hope, companionship and unconditional love to their people. Adopting a pet in need of a home can also impact communities, alleviating strain on overcrowded shelters. That’s why Morris Animal Refuge will bring adoptable pets to PetSmart (2360 Oregon Avenue) for PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Week, taking place July 21 – 29. Morris Animal Refuge aims to find homes for over 15 animals during the event.
Thanks to a $30,000 Adoption Prep Grant from PetSmart Charities, Morris Animal Refuge can enhance its adoption program by providing essential preventative care, high-quality nutrition, and enrichment for pets before they find their forever homes. These funds help cover medical exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and behavioral support, ensuring that each pet is healthy and ready for a smooth transition into their new family. Additionally, the grant supports enrichment activities such as interactive toys and socialization programs to reduce stress and improve well-being while pets await adoption. More than 11 million pets have been adopted through in-store events with support from PetSmart Charities.
PetSmart Charities connects adoption partners such as Morris Animal Refuge with local PetSmart stores to bring adoptable pets in for meet-and-greets. These include pets of all ages, breeds, temperaments, and energy levels. Staff and volunteers are available to help make ideal matches considering lifestyle and other preferences such as energy levels, personalities, sizes, etc.
“Thanks to the support of PetSmart Charities, we’re able to give animals the care and preparation they need to thrive in a new home,” said Grace Erikson, Director of Development and Marketing at Morris Animal Refuge. “In a city where shelters are often overwhelmed, this grant allows us to expand our lifesaving work—providing medical care, enrichment, and a second chance to pets who need it most. Every adoption makes room for another life to be saved, and we’re excited to help more families find their perfect match during National Adoption Week.”
“Our local shelter and rescue partners are overflowing with animals looking for people to love. Adopting or fostering a pet not only enriches your life but is the best way to support your community and local partners like Morris Animal Refuge in their lifesaving work,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities. “There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet! Please stop by your neighborhood PetSmart store and meet your new best friend.”
Community members who are interested in adopting can visit Morris Animal Refuge’s website at www.morrisanimalrefuge.org to see available pets, learn about adoption fees, and review the process. Those unable to adopt can still support the refuge by fostering, volunteering, or donating to help animals in need.
WHEN/WHERE:
Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart locations:
PetSmart – 2360 Oregon Avenue (This location only adopts out cats.)
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
About Morris Animal Refuge
Founded in 1874, Morris Animal Refuge is committed to saving lives through innovative animal welfare programs, including adoption, education, and high-quality care. The shelter provides second chances to thousands of animals each year. Learn more at morrisanimalrefuge.org.
Follow Morris Animal Refuge on Instagram: @MorrisAnimalRefuge
Find Morris Animal Refuge on Facebook: Facebook.com/MorrisAnimalRefuge
About PetSmart Charities®
Pets are family. For 30 years, PetSmart Charities has remained committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through in-store adoptions at PetSmart® stores, local shelter partners help hundreds of thousands of pets find loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also delivers grant funding to support animal and human welfare organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families to improve access to veterinary care, alleviates pet hunger and integrates the needs of pets into disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters support the mission by donating at PetSmart® registers in-store or online at Petsmart.com, or directly at PetSmartCharities.org. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc
Media Contact:
Grace Erikson
Director of Development and Marketing
Morris Animal Refuge
267-951-2349
gerikson@morrisanimalrefuge.org
www.morrisanimalrefuge.org
24-Hour PetSmart Charities Media Line:
623-587-2177