Posted: Jan. 20, 2009, 3 a.m. EST
Actress Kyra Sedgwick, an animal lover and owner of shelter pets, has lent her name to the pet-adoption drive. |
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.
Kyra Sedgwick, star of TV's "The Closer," 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 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 experts trained by Dr. Jacqui Neilson, DVM, of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, pet owners can discuss topics such as introducing a pet into a new environment, obedience/house training, proper nutrition and pet fitness. The New Pet Line is open between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST Monday through Saturday.
Click
here for a full list of participating shelters across the country.