Posted: January 20, 2009, 5 a.m. EST
A national free pet adoption drive offers a chance for people to get involved in Change a Pet’s Life Day on Saturday, Jan. 24.
TV star Kyra Sedgwick, an animal lover and owner of an adopted dog, Paulie, joins the Hill's Science Diet Shelter Nutrition Partnership for the event to help change the lives of shelter cats and dogs. The first 10 adoptions at participating Hill's partner shelters are free on Jan. 24.
New pet owners will also receive a starter kit that includes free pet food and tips to give their adopted cat or dog a good start in their new home.
"I've been fortunate to have experienced the unconditional love of shelter cats and dogs my entire life so pet adoption is a cause that is very close to my heart," Sedgwick said. "Each year, more than 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters and they truly need our help to find loving homes, which is why I'm thrilled to help Hill's raise awareness for Change a Pet's Life Day."
In addition to the adoption drive, Hill's is launching 877-NEW-PET-LINE, a resource to help pet owners understand a variety of their pet's behavioral and nutritional needs. Staffed with live experts trained by Jacqui Neilson, DVM, of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the hotline offers pet owners a place to discuss topics such as introducing a pet into a new environment, obedience and housetraining, proper nutrition, and pet fitness. The New Pet Line is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time.
For a full list of participating shelters across the country visit FeedingIsBelieving.com