Contact: Christina Yumul at 619-235-9995

world’s largest pet-adoption drive

kicks-off in San diego 

 

Seventh Annual “Iams Home 4 the Holidays” Campaign

Aims to Find Lifelong Homes for 350,000 Orphan Dogs and Cats

San Diego, Calif. (November 7, 2005) — Bringing a new pet home is one of life’s great pleasures — whether it’s watching a puppy or kitten cautiously explore his new surroundings or seeing an older dog or cat thankfully eating from a shiny, new food bowl. Play out those scenes more than 350,000 times around the globe, and that’s the goal of this year’s Iams Home 4 the Holidays campaign—the world’s largest pet adoption drive set to kick-off on November 7 at the House of Blues in downtown San Diego at 11 a.m.

According to the U.S. Humane Society, 6-8 million dogs and cats are brought to shelters each year with 3-4 million being euthanized. That is why the Helen Woodward Animal Center is teaming-up with more than 2,000 animal shelters around the world,

Actress and animal lover Diane Keaton, San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, and The Iams Company to encourage prospective pet parents to bring a shelter pet home for the holidays. This year’s adoption drive takes place from Nov. 7, 2005 , through Jan. 2, 2006 .

“I applaud the shelters and rescue groups who make Iams Home 4 the Holidays the most successful pet adoption drive in history,” says campaign spokeswoman Keaton. “Since becoming involved in 2001, I’ve watched it grow to the point where 313,000 orphan pets found homes during last year’s campaign. This is a tremendous achievement, but we aren’t done yet. We expect 2005 to be the biggest year ever!”

During this year’s adoption drive, e ach new adopting family will receive an Iams starter kit containing food samples, coupons and important tips on pet care, behavior, training and nutrition.

“As a partner in the Iams Home 4 the Holidays campaign, we are proud to save lives by helping find new homes for orphan pets,” says Kelly Vanasse from The Iams Company. “And, once these pets are in their new homes, we encourage the pet parents to welcome them with plenty of T.L.C. and positive training.”

Helen Woodward Animal Center started the Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive back in 1999 with 14 animal shelters in San Diego County . Since that time, it has grown to include shelters and rescue groups from as far away as Nigeria , Poland , Australia , Cyprus and Ukraine . Last year, 1,803 shelters participated, up from 1,300 the previous year.

“Shelters are filled with homeless animals who will make great pets if given the opportunity,” says Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center and founder of Iams Home 4 the Holidays. “Since the holidays are the most popular time to bring pets home, we encourage people to adopt orphan animals instead of visiting a pet store. In addition to the free starter kit, adopters can receive guidance and advice on making the best match for their lifestyle.”

Prospective pet parents can learn more about the Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive by calling (800) 566-5038 or visiting www.home4theholidays.com
or www.iams.com.

 About Helen Woodward Animal Center

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually. Helen Woodward Animal Center also is creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services (ACES) program.

About The Iams Company

For nearly 60 years, The Iams Company has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba ® and Iams ® Dog & Cat Foods, the Eukanuba Veterinary Diets Ô line of canine and feline prescription diets or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at (800) 863-4267 or visit www.iams.com.

###

Contacts: Christina Yumul at 619-235-9995 or

John Van Zante at 858-756-4117 ext. 335