Public-private Partnership Increases Cat Adoptions

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Cats needing homes are being adopted more quickly than ever before, as the result of an innovative partnership between Placer County Animal Services and PetSmart. This unique public-private partnership began in 2018, shortly after a PetSmart store opened less than a mile from our animal shelter in Auburn, CA. PetSmart is located in a busy shopping center with many visitors. PetSmart also has operating hours that extend beyond Placer County’s business hours, which makes it more convenient for people juggling work, school, and family obligations. The primary purpose of this program is to adopt cats more quickly, so they spend less time in our shelter. A secondary purpose is to draw attention to cats with special needs. An added benefit of this program is that PetSmart donates money to our shelter based on the volume of cats adopted from their store. They also routinely donate food and pet supplies. Through this program, the shelter has significantly decreased the length of time for cats to be adopted by 28%, reduced staff time and shelter resources used for cat adoption and greatly increased donation revenue and in-kind donations received.