Less than adoptable? Sad, but true

Got this in e-mail and wanted to share it ASAP.

PETFINDER.COM KICKS OFF

ADOPT-A-LESS-ADOPTABLE-PET WEEK

SEPTEMBER 19 – 25

Survey Uncovers that 95 Percent of Shelters and Rescue Groups

Have Pets That They Are Having Extreme Difficulty Placing in a Home  

Silver Spring, MD – What if people were denied a loving home because they had dark-colored hair or were considered to be too old? According to a recent survey by Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets, 95 percent of shelters and rescue groups currently have adoptable pets for which they are having extreme difficulty finding a home. In fact, 33 percent said they have had adoptable pets listed on Petfinder.com for one to two years, and an additional 27 percent said they have cared for pets that have been homeless even longer.

So that no pet is overlooked simply because of their age, breed or even the color of their fur, Petfinder.com is kicking off Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week from September 19 to 25 to help find homes for these loveable animals and bring awareness to the issue. So far, more than 500 shelters and rescue groups in Petfinder.com’s network are planning to participate. 

“It breaks my heart to think that some pets are homeless for years when they are just as wonderful as the younger, fluffier puppy next to them. These overlooked pets often make great additions to a family – but many people don’t even realize they are discriminating when they begin looking to adopt,” said Betsy Banks Saul, the co-founder of Petfinder.com. “The goal of this initiative is to bring the issue to the forefront and help find forever homes for these special animals.”

Petfinder.com launched the first ever Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day in 2009, and extended this year’s initiative to a full week so that more less adoptable pets will be given the chance to find a loving home. Petfinder.com will also be featuring a gallery of “less adoptable” pets on its website during the weeklong event to highlight just how many pets need to be given a chance. While the gallery is not intended to be searchable, visitors can log onto Petfinder.com and type in their zip code to find adoptable pets at their local shelters or rescue groups.

More details can be found at http://www.petfinder.com/lessadoptablepetweek.