Hill's forms petfood distribution network to aid pets during emergencies

Hill's Pet Nutrition has established a Disaster Relief Network through the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program, which will enable Hill's to quickly deploy petfood resources in case of an emergency. 
The Network consists of nearly 100 participating shelters across the US that Hill's can coordinate with to distribute emergency food supplies to pets in need.
"The Hill's Disaster Relief Network formalizes the work Hill's has done with shelters throughout the country. Together, we can respond as quickly as possible when animals and their communities are impacted by disaster across the country. We are very proud of our strong relationships with shelters. When disasters happen, Hill's is ready to respond with emergency food shipments within hours," said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill's Pet Nutrition US.
Hill's is also working to educate pet owners on what they can do to help keep pets safe and healthy when a disaster hits, leading up to National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, May 11. 
"Because owners have such strong bonds with their pets, we want to encourage pet parents to think about how their pets factor into their evacuation plans. Taking precautionary steps can help avoid delays in the event of an emergency," said Dr. Dan Aja, director of US professional and veterinary affairs at Hill's. 
Hill's advises pet owners to take the following steps to prepare their pet for an emergency:
• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag, with updated contact information.
• Prepare an emergency box of pet supplies that is readily accessible in the event of an evacuation. Emergency kits should include: first aid supplies and guide book; a three-day supply of petfood in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet's feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
• Display a pet rescue decal with veterinarian contact information on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave the immediate area – keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be able to shelter pets.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.
• Carry a good picture of your pet with you in the event of separation during evacuation. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house because pets may hide if they are scared.
To request assistance during an emergency, shelters can contact Hill's at DisasterRelief@hillspet.com. 

www.AdoptAShelter.com donates to animal shelters through online sales

 A new website, www.AdoptAShelter.com, allows visitors to shop online at select merchants and have their purchases earn a donation to the animal charity of their choice, in an effort to provide more funding to overwhelmed animal shelters across the US.
The free website allows consumers to shop online at 475 different merchants, including petfood and treat manufacturers like Best Bully Sticks, Sojourner Farms and Wysong, as well as pet product retailers like Petco.com and PetSmart.com. Each purchase earns a donation to the animal charity of the shopper's choice. Since launching in August 2011, more than 700 animal charities from 48 states have registered with the site. 

Halo pet food sponsors Pets for Patriots celebration event

Pets for Patriots, an organization that connects shelter pets with service and veteran members of the US military, named Halo, Purely for Pets as the exclusive pet food sponsor of its "Be A Pet’s Hero Celebration" event.
The May 25 event takes place in Washington, DC, and serves as the charity’s inaugural celebration and fundraiser in partnership with the Washington Humane Society. In addition to providing food for the event's pet guests, Halo will donate product gift bags for people to take home.
“Every adoption made through our program saves and celebrates two lives, that of the pet and that of the veteran,” said Beth Zimmerman, founder and executive director of Pets for Patriots. “With the support of Halo, we can elevate the conversation about the loving care that companion animals everywhere deserve, but do not always receive.”

Holistic Select donates pet food in 'Worth Our Weight' drive

Holistic Select  recently donated 3,500 pounds of dog and cat food to Bideawee, an animal welfare and pet adoption organization, as part of its “Worth Our Weight” petfood drive.
The event was held in conjunction with the grand opening of a new Petco superstore at Columbus Square in Manhattan, New York, USA. More than 100 dogs and cats participated in the charitable weigh-in, which kicked off with a special appearance by actress Kelly Rutherford and her dog, Oliver, who was the first pet to hit the scale. For every pet who weighed in, Holistic Select donated an equivalent amount of pounds of petfood. The “Worth Our Weight” petfood drive was part of a promotion for the recently launched Holistic Select Health Scale, a tool designed to help pet parents evaluate and improve the health of their cats and dogs.
“We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of this generous donation from Holistic Select, said Nancy Taylor, president and chief executive of Bideawee. “It’s exciting that with their help, we can provide wholesome natural food and treats for our dogs and cats who are waiting to find their forever homes.”

FreeKibble, Ellen DeGeneres' Halo petfood donate 5 millionth meal to shelter animals

In April, FreeKibble.com donated its 5 millionth meal of co-owner Ellen DeGeneres' Halo petfood to feed a hungry shelter pet.
To celebrate, FreeKibble founder, Mimi Ausland, will appear with the Humane Society of Central Oregon at a Bend, Oregon, USA, Petco store in conjunction with Petco's National Adoption Weekend, which is also sponsored by Halo. The Humane Society of Central Oregon was the first shelter to be completely fed Halo petfood by Freekibble. The event will be held Saturday, April 9, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Petco located at 3197 North Highway 97 in Bend, Oregon, USA.
Nationwide, animal lovers attending Petco's adoption events for National Adoption Weekend can redeem a Freekibble coupon for US$2 off of any size bag of Halo Spot's Stew dog or cat food. For every coupon redeemed, Halo will donate one meal to Freekibble.com. One new pet parent will also wind the opportunity to donate 10,000 meals to the shelter of his or her choice. 

Nestle, Japanese welfare groups support animals in Japan

Animal welfare groups in Japan have begun rescue operations to find lost and injured animals affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, supported by petfood donations from Nestle Purina USA.
Nestle Purina USA announced that the company will deliver petfood and money to Japanese shelters and rescue groups.
Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support includes three animal welfare groups coordinating to aid animals affected in Japan: Animal Friends Niigata, Japan Cat Network and HEART-Tokushima. JEARS  says it has been difficult to find pets alive as well as to find accommodations for the ones that are found still living. JEARS said that growing concerns over spreading nuclear radiations have driven many pet owners out of the country, abandoning their pets. David Wybenga of Japan Cat Network said his group is working to find lost pets and reunite them with their families.
JEARS  said that they will continue to help rescue animals in Japan despite all the hardships that they will face.

Natura donates petfood to Best Friends Animal Society

Natura Pet Products has teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society by donating its petfood to help feed needy pets.
Best Friends Animal Society is a non-profit, animal welfare organization located in Kanab, Utah USA, which operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless pets. The Innova brand petfood donated to the shelter will go toward feeding these animals.
“We are proud to have been able to share more than 40,000 pounds of our healthful Innova dog and cat food cans with Best Friends Animal Society. This exceptional animal welfare organization has shown unsurpassed dedication to the care of thousands of animals, and its mission provides an extension of Natura’s philosophy for animal health and well-being,” said Don Scott, president of Natura.

Petfood is big on cause marketing

Even during a worldwide recession--or perhaps because of it--many companies have stepped up their campaigns to support and promote specific causes and charities. Petfood manufacturers are no exception.
Check out the great article by Jessica Taylor, "Paws with a cause," about companies like Del Monte, Three Dog Bakery, Canidae and Halo, Purely for Pets.
And read her article about Bil-Jac's licensing deal to support Veteran's K-9 Corps.
If you want an idea of what some companies in industries other than petfood are doing, watch these videos posted on Advertising Age.
What is your company doing to support a cause or charity? Or do you know of other petfood companies doing great work in this area?

Katie Couric reports on petfood banks

CBS news anchor Katie Couric recently reported that the Petco Foundation and other organizations are building a nationwide network of petfood banks and Meals on Wheels now provides food for the pets of people it serves.