PetSmart Charities of Canada has awarded $700,000 in grants to 17 animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country. The funding aims to support local animal welfare groups in caring for and preparing pets for adoption events, including the recent PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week, which took place from March 24^th to 30^th.

Each year, thousands of pets are brought into shelters and rescue organizations across Canada.  With more than 50 pets adopted daily at PetSmart stores, the charity hopes to further support adoption efforts through these changes.

“Animal shelters and rescues across the country are brimming with pets in need of people to love them. Adopting a pet brings joy to families and builds healthy communities,” says Heidi Marston, PetSmart Charities of Canada director of pet placement. “Together with our partners and supporters, we’ve helped more than 400,000 pets across Canada find people to love since 1999, but we know thousands more are still waiting.”