During these unprecedented times, people are looking for companionship and social connections, and many are finding it in a four-legged friend. While an estimated 40 percent of the country’s shelter population are currently in foster homes1, shelters are bracing for a time when these pets may be returned or when other pets are surrendered due to the financial hardships so many are facing as a result of the global pandemic. So today, Mars Petcare announced a new program called FOSTER TO FOREVER™ to help find loving homes for as many pets as possible.
The program, supported by several celebrity pet adoption advocates, including Katherine Schwarzenegger, Colton Underwood and LeAnn Rimes, will raise awareness of the need for pet adoption and directly support those who permanently adopt their foster pets.
“Now more than ever, people are turning to pets as a source of comfort and companionship, and as a result, we’ve seen record numbers of fosters,” said Mark Johnson, president of Mars Petcare North America. “We’re in awe of the support being shown to pets in need during this global crisis and want to ensure that as many pets as possible find loving, forever homes. That’s why Mars Petcare is providing essential resources like pet food and veterinary visits to families who make their foster pet a permanent member of their family.”
To kick off FOSTER TO FOREVER, more than 10 pet-loving celebrities, including Katherine Schwarzenegger, Colton Underwood and LeAnn Rimes, will virtually welcome people into their homes on today, May 28 through Instagram Live. While live, each celebrity will share an intimate look at life with their pet, including fun and heartfelt stories of some of their favorite activities together.
“Six weeks ago, I decided to foster Zooka,” said Colton Underwood. “That was one of the best decisions I could have made. Zooka quickly became a member of our family, and I just couldn’t see myself bringing her back to the shelter. I’m happy to call myself a ‘foster failure’ and honored to be part of the Mars Petcare FOSTER TO FOREVER program to encourage others to permanently adopt their foster pet, if they’re able to.”
Following the live event, Mars Petcare will distribute FOSTER TO FOREVER kits to shelters around the country in some of the areas hit hardest by COVID-19 like Chicago and New Orleans.
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