A soon-to-open downtown PetSmart will not only offer pet food and supplies to customers, but also provide adoption services for dogs and cats.
The store will be located in the Athens Mall Shopping Center near Abrio’s Brick Oven, 859 E. State St., but PetSmart officials could not confirm an expected opening day.
Though there is still some gray area in the PetSmart construction, one thing that is certain is PetSmart Charities’ involvement in the store.
PetSmart Charities – a nonprofit organization – is separate from PetSmart and is the largest funder of animal welfare in North America, said Steve Pawlowski, spokesman for PetSmart Charities.
The organization – which celebrated its five millionth adoption last summer – does not sell dogs or cats in stores, but instead allows people to adopt the animals through adoption centers in PetSmart stores, Pawlowski said.
“There’s such an incredible need for adoptions and all the other programs we support,” he said. “About eight million (animals) enter shelters every year. About four million are euthanized per year simply because they don’t have homes, not (because of) behavior or medical issues.”
Cats are available for adoption in the centers 24/7, whereas dogs – brought in by local animal groups – are available on weekends and during national tent events.
Local animal groups are passionate about issues like these and fear there is a lack of awareness and education about them, said Sarah Robles, a junior studying business and co-founder of Athens County Animal Advocates.
Before adopting a pet, people should make sure that it is spayed or neutered to help fight the overpopulation and large numbers of homeless dogs, Robles said, adding that educating people about the harmful effects of euthanasia on the dogs would result in the death of fewer animals.
Friends of the Shelter Dogs could not be reached for comment on their policies and thoughts on PetSmart Charities.
Many Athens residents have wondered what this means for Petland, 977 E. State St., said Sally Jo Ward, general manager.
Ward said she has been asked several times if she is stressed or worried about the upcoming competition, but always replies that she remains very confident.
“I’m not worried about PetSmart at all,” Ward said. “We have great, loyal customers and a great team here. We’re 100 percent OK.”
kf398711@ohiou.edu
