Southern Pines Animal Shelter helped more than 60 animals find new homes during National Adoption Week after receiving a new grant from PetSmart Charities.
The shelter was awarded a $40,000 grant that supported its weeklong off-site adoption event at PetSmart in Hattiesburg from March 23–29. Officials say National Adoption Week is one of the largest adoption events of the year and takes place three times annually.
During the event, all adoption fees for cats and dogs were waived. Shelter leaders said the grant allowed community members to adopt pets at no cost while also ensuring the animals were fully prepared for their new homes.
The funding helped cover spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations and microchipping. Every animal adopted from Southern Pines leaves the shelter fully vaccinated and microchipped, according to staff.
“Normally we do variable adoption fees based on the animal’s behavior, medical needs, age and other criteria,” said Sarah Krock, the shelter’s community engagement manager. “We try to have fee-waived pets as often as possible because we know people may not be able to afford that adoption fee, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still provide a wonderful home.”
Krock said donations made year-round at PetSmart registers also play a role in supporting adoption efforts. Those contributions go to PetSmart Charities, which then distributes grants to shelters like Southern Pines.
Krock has worked with the shelter for 10 years and previously spent three years as a foster and volunteer.
“I love the work that we do,” she said. “I identify really strongly with our mission, and we’re very community-focused. As an organization, we try to be compassionate and creative, which are values I hold dearly.”
Krock also serves as a foster and volunteer resource manager. During the event, a wide variety of dogs were available for adoption, including Labrador retriever and shepherd mixes.
“We always encourage people to look past breed labels and meet the dog in person,” Krock said. “Even within a certain breed, there’s so much variation, but we always have a good variety.”
Hub City Humane Society, which serves Lamar County, also participated in the adoption week. The two shelters frequently collaborate and share major events.
On one day of the event, Hub City reported 48 adoptions.
“I’ve rescued dogs my entire life, and it’s always been a passion for me,” said Annie Zukas, a Hub City employee. “I love seeing these animals go home and us being able to help more.”
Taylor Toland, a graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi and a part-time animal care technician at Hub City, helps care for animals daily. Her responsibilities include cleaning, assisting with adoption events and coordinating animal transfers between shelters when one facility reaches capacity.
Officials said partnerships between shelters help maximize space and increase adoption opportunities for animals in need.
Two additional National Adoption Week events are scheduled for July and October.
Organizers say the success of the event shows the power of community support in giving animals a fresh start.
