I pledge to adopt my next pet. Do you?

Last week, I took a pledge to adopt my next pet. My husband and I have two silky terrier dogs at home, and they are our world (they were even in our wedding).

But neither of them were adopted. Why? I can’t really point you to one reason. It was just an option that we never considered at the time. We didn’t know any better.

But I’ve been PetSmart Charities’ online communications manager for about three months now, and boy, my perspective has changed.

I’ve met some amazing adopted pets and their pet parents, both here at the office and at community adoption events. I’ve spoken with some truly dedicated employees and volunteers at animal welfare organizations. And some of the videos that you submitted to our “High-Five for My Adopted Pet” video contest honestly drove me to tears.

Taking the pledge
It was really the community adoption event that we held at the Phoenix Coliseum a few weeks ago that motivated me to act. The energy at that event was amazing. When we opened the doors on the first day of the event, volunteers and staff cheered for the hundreds of attendees as they filed into the building.

Plus, my husband and I staffed a photo booth for families who had just adopted a new pet. We asked them, “What’s the one word that you would use to describe your newly adopted pet?” I think the photos themselves tell the rest of that story. It was truly wonderful experience, and I got to watch almost 600 happy pets walk out the door with loving families that weekend.

How did my husband and I resist coming home with 5 more adopted pets? I’m still not sure. But we both pledged that we’d adopt our next pet. Though we’re not ready to welcome another pet into our lives at this very moment, we know for sure that the next one will be adopted.

Your stories motivate action
More than 1,000 people have already taken our pledge to adopt their next pet. What’s even more amazing are the stories that you’ve all shared in the process. Scroll down to the bottom of the page after you take your pledge to take a peek yourself. You’ll see what I mean.

Ready for that new pet?
If you’ve taken our pledge and are ready to adopt your next pet, there are hundreds of pets available for adoption at PetSmart Charities’ upcoming National Adoption Weekend. All you need to do is visit a PetSmart store near you.

If you’re not quite ready yet, an adoptable pet will be ready when you are. You can always visit a PetSmart Charities Adoption Center or use PetSmart Charities adoptable pet locator to find pets available for adoption near you.