Bullet-point Summary
- Best Friends Animal Society launches nationwide May adoption campaign
- Partners include Walmart, Skechers, Blue Buffalo, and 20+ pet brands
- Fee-waived adoption events planned across nearly all 50 U.S. states
- Campaign includes retail promotions, donation programs, and live events
- Corporate partners funding adoption fees and shelter support initiatives
- Effort supports continued progress toward “no-kill” shelter goals
Best Friends Animal Society is spearheading a nationwide adoption and awareness campaign during National Pet Month in May, bringing together corporate partners, shelters, and communities to increase pet adoptions and support animal welfare efforts across the United States.
Multi-part campaign combines retail, events, and advocacy
The initiative includes a series of fee-waived adoption events, multi-day festivals, in-store promotions, and fundraising campaigns designed to make it easier for prospective pet owners to adopt and support local shelters.
More than 20 corporate partners—including Walmart, Skechers, and Blue Buffalo—are participating alongside approximately 70 shelter and rescue organizations, with activations planned in nearly all 50 states.
Adoption events and national reach
Key components include adoption events hosted at Walmart locations in major U.S. cities, as well as “Pawpalooza” festivals offering pet-focused experiences and opportunities to meet adoptable animals. Additional events are being held at Skechers retail locations, supported by a $500,000 contribution to Best Friends.
All featured adoption events will waive pet adoption fees, reducing financial barriers for prospective pet owners.
Retail partnerships drive funding and engagement
The campaign also leverages retail partnerships to generate funding for shelters. Blue Buffalo and Walmart are supporting adoption efforts through purchase-triggered donations, with funding helping cover adoption fees nationwide.
Additional pet brands are participating through in-store promotions and donation programs, while retailers are also offering discounts on pet products to support new pet owners.
Focus on sustaining “no-kill” progress
The campaign comes as U.S. shelters continue to make progress toward “no-kill” status, defined as saving at least 90% of animals entering shelters. According to Best Friends, 68% of shelters have reached this benchmark, but continued adoption and community support remain critical.
The organization is also hosting its annual national conference in May, bringing together animal welfare professionals to share data-driven strategies and tools to further reduce shelter euthanasia rates.
Expanding public engagement in animal welfare
In addition to in-person events, the campaign includes digital and in-store fundraising efforts, volunteer opportunities, and educational initiatives aimed at increasing public participation in animal welfare.
Organizers emphasize that broad community involvement—from adopting and fostering to donating and advocating—will be key to sustaining progress in reducing shelter populations.
Information sourced from a press release issued by Best Friends Animal Society.
