Hartz Pet Supplies Hoping To Send Another Million Dollars Worth Of Supplies Out To Animal Shelters, Pet Food Banks And Rescue Groups

With Half its Pledged $3,000,000 Pet Supplies Shipped Out to Shelters, Hartz Hopes to Send $1,000,000 More Before End of Year

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL SHELTER: Hartz invites pet lovers to nominate local shelters to receive shipments of everyday pet supplies, snacks and treats, in time for the holidays.

In July, The Hartz Mountain Corporation, the leading U.S. pet supplies company, pledged to ship up to $3,000,000 of Hartz pet supplies to animal shelters and food banks in the U.S. and Canada, to help shelters and pet owners survive the tough economy. “Since the 60’s, Hartz has been dedicated to advancing companion animal welfare and nurturing owners’ enjoyment of their pets. That’s why Hartz launched this program,” said Bob Shipley, Hartz’ Senior Vice President. “The economic downturn has had a profound effect on family finances. Many familes have been forced to surrender beloved pets to shelters, yet shelters report that donations are down by as much as 30%. We hope that our Hartz Shelter Program will help shelters feed and care for abandoned animals and enable at-risk families to keep their pets.” Hartz Shelter Donation Program offers a range of pet supplies to shelters; such as dog biscuits and bones, meat treats, rawhide, chews, puppy pads, collars and leashes, bowls, toys, grooming products and bedding, flea and tick treatments, vitamins and dental care products, bird seed, rabbit and small animal food.

With half the pledged donation already committed, Hartz has shipped 232,596 pet supply products to 316 shelters in USA and 118,467 more to 36 Canadian shelters. “At first we were overwhelmed at the prospect of accepting over 1,000 items into our cramped animal shelter”, said Tiffiny Koback, Shelter Director at the Saskatoon SPCA, “but it's given us amazing momentum. We won’t have to worry about keeping these pet supplies in stock for months to come.” Steve Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies said, “we welcome donations of this nature, which serve two critical needs for shelters; to enrich the stay of surrendered animals, and to help raise funds, stimulate and reward adoption."

While dogs and cats make up the majority in U.S. animal shelters, a smaller number of abandoned birds, rabbits and small animals also need homes. Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, the nation’s largest animal shelter, counts gerbils, rabbits, parrots, horses and potbellied pigs among its estimated 1,700 animals. Patty Hegwood, Best Friends’ Animal Care Director said, “We spend about $500,000 every year on animal food. Without donations, that total annual bill of $500,000 would be much, much higher. Hartz donateda range of food and supplies for birds, rabbits and small mammals, which was really appreciated. ”

By Joining Forces, Businesses Can Make A Difference & Pets Can Benefit
Several supermarket chains that sell Hartz products stepped in to help distribute the pet supplies to needy shelters in their states, including Marsh Supermarkets, Strack & Van Til, Stop-n-Shop, Weiss Markets and United Supermarkets, which recently donated over $100,000 of Hartz pet supplies to five Texas SPCA shelters. “With the holidays approaching, we were inspired by Hartz program to reach out to local shelters, donate thousands of products and host a series of adoption events to match loving animals with loving homes,” said Shannon Swatzell, community relations manager for United Supermarkets, LLC. "Combining business partner strengths in this manner is a win-win for everyone." “Every animal deserves to receive good care and a loving home,” said James Bias, SPCA of Texas President. “Adopting a shelter pet is the best way to add a four-legged member to your family and, if all the family get's involved in the process, you’re sure to make a successful match!”

Ordinary People Can Really Help By Connecting Hartz To Local Shelters In-Need
Hartz is calling out to pet lovers to be Hartz Shelter Heroes. By contacting local shelters about Hartz Shelter Donation Program and connecting them with Hartz in time for the holiday season. “A happy pet helps bring joy to families during a joyless recession, especially during the holiday season,” said Joyce Jacobs, a spokesperson for Harry Chapin Food Bank in South West Florida which serves 160 agencies. “Hartz just shipped us 8,000 pounds of dog treats. This will help families give their dogs tasty treats, chews and bones they couldn't otherwise afford.”

For information on how to help, people should visit the How to Be a Shelter Hero page on www.Hartz.com

About The Hartz Mountain Corporation:
The Hartz Mountain Corporation is the leading manufacturer and marketer of pet care products in the United States and Canada. For 80 years, Hartz has provided pet owners with the highest quality products – innovative solutions developed with proven science and love for companion animals. Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, Hartz offers more than 1,500 products for dogs, cats, birds, small animals, reptiles and fish, each dedicated to the health and well-being of household pets. The Hartz Mountain Corporation is owned by Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA), together with its parent, Sumitomo Corporation, Japan (SC), an integrated global trading company. For more information please visit www.hartz.com.


A Big Thanks goes out to the Hartz Mountain Corporation for all your Help....