SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets, announced today the launch of its Power to the Paws program in which the Petfinder.com Foundation is giving more than $1 million worth of generators to shelters and rescue groups across the country.
Petfinder.com, a network of more than 11,800 animal welfare organizations, found that many groups lack the tools they need to prepare for natural disasters and ensure the safety of their animals. With ongoing support from Merial, the maker of HEARTGARD(R) (ivermectin) and FRONTLINE(R) brand products, and its Paws to Save Pets(SM) program, the Foundation is giving generators to eligible members that submit a grant application by October 1, 2008.
"We think it is critical to provide shelters and rescues with resources to prepare for natural and man-made disasters," said Betsy Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com. "Petfinder.com is extremely thankful for Honda's help in distributing generators to animal welfare organizations and for the long-lasting relationship we have with Merial. It is amazing to work with such great corporations who understand the importance of our family pets and the homeless animals in need."
To encourage community members to get involved and support their local shelters, Petfinder.com is also holding a voting contest at http://www.petfinder.com/disasterprep . The two Petfinder.com shelters or rescue groups with the most votes on the site will each receive $5,000. Visitors can also take the Power to the Paws Disaster Preparedness Pledge which encourages individuals to protect their pet's safety and alleviate the strain on their local animal welfare organizations.
"As our network grows, we have seen how quickly disasters can devastate communities unexpectedly. We now have more than 290,000 adoptable animals listed on our site, and we want to ensure the safety of every single one," said Saul.
About Petfinder.com:
Petfinder.com is an online, searchable database of animals that need permanent homes. A directory of over 11,800 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the USA, Canada and Mexico, the organization's technology helps visitors search adoptable pets in their areas that fit their family's individual needs and preferences. In addition, Petfinder.com also offers a wealth of information about how to select a family pet and how to raise and care for an animal. The Web site is free to use. Animal shelters and placement groups can register to join Petfinder.com online and can start entering pets the same day. Petfinder.com was named one of TIME magazine's 50 Best Web Sites of 2008.
About Merial:
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please visit www.merial.com .
