National Nonprofit Inspires Girl Scout
Sophia Gillen to Make a Difference in the World of Pet
Fostering
SAN
ANTONIO, June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National
nonprofit organization Petco Love celebrates June as National
Foster a Pet Month to inspire communities to get involved and
support their local animal shelters by temporarily fostering pets.
Originally created by the organization in 2019, June as National
Foster a Pet Month encourages people to foster a pet ahead of the
most challenging summer months when animal shelters are
overrun.
"Shelters across the nation are in crisis. And loving, happy,
healthy pets are at risk of being euthanized simply due to lack of
space. Pet fostering is the answer to eliminate unnecessary
euthanasia of shelter pets. If just 2% more of the 87 million
pet-owning households fostered just one pet a year, we could end
euthanasia in America's shelters tomorrow," said Petco Love
President, Susanne Kogut.
Kogut attributes the lifesaving success of a mid-sized shelter
she led almost 20 years ago to their robust fostering program that
increased pets in foster over 600%. She is also a dedicated pet
foster herself, having fostered over 500 pets through the years.
"Fostering is easier than people think," said Kogut. "I encourage
more people to just try it. Whether you foster for a short time or
until a pet is ready for adoption, you will be giving that kitten,
cat, puppy, adult dog, or senior pet, a break from the shelter.
Allowing them to experience your love and home will make all the
difference in the world, especially if that pet faced euthanasia.
Fostering saves lives."
Young pet lover, 16-year-old Sophia
Gillen from New Jersey
heard the foster a pet message loud and clear. Inspired by Petco
Love's Foster a Pet Month, Sophia created a petition urging
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to prioritize pet fostering.
Sophia's advocacy led Governor Murphy to declare June as Foster a
Pet Month in the state, marking a significant step in the
nationwide effort to prioritize fostering pets.
Sophia's journey began as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award
project, fittingly named "Phenomenal Foster Pets." After eight
months of dedicated communication with the governor's office, her
passion and perseverance resulted in this important recognition.
She also created a fun lesson to teach scouts of all ages about the
importance of fostering, how to advocate for shelter dogs and cats,
and how to earn a one-of-a-kind pet fostering patch.
"I want to inspire other Girl Scouts and young advocates to take
similar actions in their states," said Sophia Gillen. "Many animals can be saved when
state leaders show their commitment to animal welfare. My hope is
to see Foster a Pet Month recognized across all 50 states."
"Sophia is an incredibly impressive young woman," said Kogut.
"Her drive and commitment to animal welfare at such a young age are
truly inspiring. We are excited to highlight her achievements and
support her goal of expanding this initiative nationwide."
For more information on how to get involved with Foster a Pet
Month, visit Petco Love's website and join the conversation on
social media using #PetcoLoveFoster.
Media Contacts:
Crystal Bugary, Petco Love,
media@petcolove.org
Alison Brod Marketing + Communications, petcolove@abmc-us.com
About Petco Love
Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes
communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since
our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we've empowered
animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $400 million in adoption and other lifesaving
efforts. We've helped find loving homes for more than 6.8 million
pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our
love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools
animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion,
inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal
welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us.
Visit petcolove.org or follow us
on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads,
and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead
every day.
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SOURCE Petco Love