March 28, 2024

Dirty Dogs initiative to help 10,000 dogs get ready for National Dog Adoption Month

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a time when dog adoption rates are historically low. To help clean out America’s shelters, the Jasper County Animal Rescue League & Humane Society is partnering with two pet industry leaders, Wahl and Petfinder Foundation, to address a dirty little issue about pet adoption.

“Grooming is important to the health of our pets, but it’s critical to the adoption of dogs who are abandoned to shelters and need new families,” said Karen Hollish, program marketing manager for Petfinder Foundation. “While there are many hurdles to dog adoption, one of the ongoing challenges rescue groups and shelters face is access to much-needed grooming supplies.”

According to a recent survey conducted by Petfinder Foundation, three out of four dogs entering pet shelters today are in need of grooming, but due to limited supplies and resources, only two of them will receive it. As for the impact of grooming on dog adoption, 73 percent of adopters start the process online, visiting websites such as Petfinder or their local animal rescue website to view profile photos of available dogs. Left unkempt, these dogs’ chances of making it rest on the hope that those looking to adopt can look past their dirty or shaggy exterior.

Locally, JCARL is doing its part to give shelter dogs a fresh start through grooming supplies and grants from Wahl and Petfinder Foundation, but these efforts also require ongoing support from the community. JCARL is encouraging dog owners everywhere to get a little dirty to help clean out their shelter this October by entering the Dirty Dogs contest.

“We are asking the community to help support local pet adoption by entering the Dirty Dogs Facebook contest and nominating JCARL to win $5,000 in funding,” said Teena Volodkewitsch of the Jasper County Animal Rescue League & Humane Society. “This additional funding is vital to our organization and can help us get these pets the care, including proper grooming, that is needed to be readied for adoption.”

During National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, pet owners can submit a photo of their dog at its dirtiest via the Dirty Dogs Contest on the Wahl Facebook page. The winner will receive a $5,000 grant for their favorite local shelter or rescue group, and the top two finalists will receive $1,000 for their favorite local shelter or rescue group. Wahl and Petfinder Foundation will announce the top 25 photos at the end of October, at which time fans vote for their favorites to determine the winner.

Dirty Dogs Contest prize packs include:

• First Place: The grand prize winner will receive a year’s supply of Wahl pet grooming products, $100 gift card, plus $5,000 and grooming supplies awarded to the animal shelter or rescue group of their choice.

• Second and Third Place: Two second place winners will receive a Wahl grooming kit, $50 gift card, plus $1,000 and grooming supplies awarded to the animal shelter or rescue group of their choice.

More information about JCARL and pet adoption can be found at http://jcarl.org. More information on the Petfinder Foundation and pet adoption can be found at petfinderfoundation.com. To enter the Dirty Dogs Contest, or view the official rules, visit the Wahl Home Facebook page. For information on proper pet grooming and how Wahl pet products can help clean up your dog in the aftermath of mud puddles, dirt and tangles, visit wahlpets.com.