PEARL RIVER COUNTY SPCA ASKS PUBLIC TO CONSIDER ADOPTING PETS IN NEED DURING PETSMART CHARITIES NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK AND KITTEN SEASON

July 15, 2025 – PICAYUNE, MS – During the dog days of summer, adopting a pet can add new energy to our lives while making a positive contribution to the community. Pearl River County SPCA is proud to partner with PetSmart Charities® to bring adoptable pets to Slidell PetSmart (290 Town Center Parkway) in support of National Adoption Week, taking place July 21–27, 2025.

Each summer, animal shelters take in scores of kittens and cats during “kitten season,” following peak breeding activity for cats — and this year is no exception. Please join Pearl River County SPCA at our adoption event at Slidell PetSmart (290 Town Center Parkway) to spend time with adoptable pets of all ages, breeds, and temperaments in spacious areas to find just the right match. Adopting a pet saves more than one life: every pet who finds a home frees up space for shelters to help the next animal in need. With staff and volunteers available to help potential new pet parents, visitors can spend time with dogs available for adoption. Adopting pets can help improve the health and wellness of people by reducing feelings of isolation and inspiring more active lifestyles. Caring for pets fosters values for children such as responsibility and selflessness.

“Events like PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week are a lifeline for rural shelters like ours,” said Lauren Fitts, President of the Pearl River County SPCA. “We are constantly operating over capacity, and these adoption events provide critical exposure for our animals while helping us briefly ease overcrowding. Each pet adopted opens a space for another in need, and that ripple effect truly saves lives in communities like ours.”

To view all available pets for adoption, please visit www.prcspca.org.

“Animal shelters and rescues are doing incredible work to save pets each day, but they can’t do it without the community’s support,” said Heidi Marston, director of Pet Placement Initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Adopting or fostering a pet can be an incredibly enriching experience and is the best way to support your local organizations. We all have a role we can play in helping pets in need, so please join us this National Adoption Week to show your support. We’re proud to work alongside partners such as Pearl River County SPCA, whose team makes meaningful connections, giving more pets in need people to love.”

Meet Ewok – Our Second-Longest Resident Still Waiting for His Happy Ending

Ewok’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. He first arrived at the shelter as a

stray, and for a brief moment, it seemed he might have found his way back home. Someone came for him, called him “Camo,” but ultimately left without him. Since then, Ewok has been waiting patiently for his second chance.

Despite the setbacks, Ewok’s spirit has never faded. This sweet, affectionate dog loves people—including kids—and gets along well with other dogs. He knows basic commands like “sit” and soaks up every bit of attention he can get. He even spent time in a foster home, where he got a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of a family.

Ewok is a favorite among our staff and volunteers, and we’re all hoping his wait will be over soon. As one of our longest residents, he truly deserves a fresh start.

If you’ve been considering adoption, we invite you to meet Ewok at our upcoming adoption event at Slidell PetSmart. Together, we can help make sure this incredible dog finally finds the loving home he’s been waiting for.

WHEN/WHERE:
Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart location:
July 21–25, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
July 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
July 27, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Slidell PetSmart (290 Town Center Parkway)

About Pearl River County SPCA
The Pearl River County SPCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and finding loving homes for pets in its care. Through its adoption, fostering, and community outreach programs, PRCSPCA works to improve the lives of animals and strengthen the bond between people and pets in Pearl River County and beyond.

About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care, and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $600 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row — placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more, visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Connect with PetSmart Charities on social media:
Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

Media Contacts:
Lauren Fitts, President, PRCSPCA
president@prcspca.net
24-Hour PetSmart Charities
mediarelations@petsmart.com