Planet Dog Embarks on a National Public Service Campaign with the Humane Society of the United States
Portland, Maine (May 14, 2008) – Over 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because too few people choose adoption. That’s why the values-based industry leader, Planet Dog, is working with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the world’s most respected and effective animal welfare organization, in spearheading a national public service campaign called rescue. raise. love. adopt.™
The campaign will be officially launched May 14th at Animal Care Expo, the premier international educational conference and trade show for animal shelter and rescue professionals, hosted by The HSUS. Its goal is to build awareness and educate consumers about the unacceptable number of animals in shelters due to puppy mills, owners that neglect to spay or neuter their pets or people that make uninformed decisions when getting a dog or cat. It is a comprehensive effort that benefits everyone: shelters, responsible pet product retailers, people who adopt and, most importantly, the animals.
“We want to share the benefits of advocating for and choosing adoption when a person decides to bring a pet into their life,” says Catherine Frost, Planet Dog’s Brand Manager and Product Champion. “We also want to provide reputable shelters, rescue groups and pet product retailers free support, recognition and rewards for their commitment to adoption advocacy,” adds Frost.
For the campaign, Planet Dog created the Kiss Me I’m Adopted Kit as a reward for adoptees and their new best buddy. People who adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter or rescue organization are eligible. They just need to send in a copy of their adoption certificate to the company for review and they will be sent a kit. The Kiss Me, I’m Adopted Kit includes: a 10% off coupon to www.planetdog.com for one full year; an Orbee-Tuff adopt. Ball and WOOF Euro sticker (for dog adoptions) or an Orbee-Tuff adopt. Mouse and MEOW Euro sticker (for cat adoptions); an adopt. campaign logo Sticker, The Bark mini-magazine and special promotions from Dog’s Life magazine as well as educational materials from The HSUS.
Planet Dog will also provide PDOG Retailers, shelters and rescue groups across the country with free tools that support the adopt. campaign. As part of the national public service campaign, all Planet Dog Adoption Advocates are eligible to receive a free rescue. raise. love. adopt. campaign display that includes a comprehensive assortment of signage, toys, stickers and other tools to be used as a permanent or special adoption event display. Planet Dog distinguishes their retailers who hold regular adoption days in their stores or help support their local animal shelters and rescue groups as Adoption Advocates. Each year the company also recognizes three retailers for their extraordinary community outreach by awarding them the Adoption Champion Award (ACA).
The display features six Orbee-Tuff adopt. Balls and Mice, six WOOF and six MEOW Euro stickers, six adopt. Stickers, six The Bark mini-magazines, six Dog’s Life subscription cards, an Adoption Advocate event sign showing details of the Kiss Me, I’m Adopted Kit and twelve I want to adopt cards (more are available for download on www.planetdogretailer.com). The items in the adopt. display are not intended to be sold, but to be used as a permanent display only. Replacements due to loss or damage may be purchased by contacting adoptteam@planetdog.com.
As an official sponsor of The Humane Society of the United States Shelter Partners® Program, Planet Dog will also provide the free adopt. campaign display to member animal shelters and rescue groups. “Our Shelter Partners Program provides local animal care and control agencies and humane organizations quality products and services that enhance their operations," says Stephanie Shane, Director of Outreach for Companion Animals at The HSUS. "The adopt. campaign’s focus on supporting shelters is very important to us. We’re sure the shelters in our program are going to respond very well to this new program. What Planet Dog is adding to the program will help shelters place more homeless pets in loving homes," adds Shain.
As the leading national and international authority on the humane care and sheltering of animals, The HSUS assists thousands of local shelters each year through training programs, publications, consultation services, personal visits and direct financial assistance. For more information, please visit www.humanesociety.org/shelters.
Planet Dog is a values-led, globally recognized designer and developer of innovative, high-quality and award-winning dog products. The company’s mission is focused on pet owners’ desire to share their active lifestyle with pets from backyard games and city parks to hotels and dog spas.
The majority of Planet Dog’s offerings consist of award-winning toys for dogs of all ages – from pups to “old souls.” Their signature Orbee-Tuff material makes the most durable, pliable, buoyant and bouncy dog toys on the market. Orbee-Tuff is made in the U.S.A. from all FDA approved non-toxic ingredients and the compound is 100% recyclable. The toys are complimented by collars and leashes, travel products, human wear, gifts for dogs and dog lovers, and more.
Planet Dog is an industry leader in “romping the romp.” In 2007, its philanthropic arm, the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF), contributed more than $200,000 in cash and in-kind donations to canine service programs across the country. The company was recently awarded the 2008 Maine Governor’s Award for Business Excellence, an award that highlights Maine companies who excel in customer service, responsible manufacturing and social impact. Planet Dog was also named to Outside Magazine’s 2008 Best Places to Work List. Their dog-friendly headquarters, warehouse (the ‘Dog House”) and flagship Company Store are located in Portland, Maine. For more information, please visit www.planetdog.com.
