My Furry Valentine 2017

BE MINE

The pet adoption event of the year is right around the corner. Here is everything you need to know about My Furry Valentine.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Every year, 7.3 million animals enter shelters nationwide, waiting to be found by one of the 12 million families who will bring a new pet into their home. However, since many Americans get pets from places other than shelters or rescues, an estimated 3-4 million animals die unnecessarily every year, making shelter euthanasia the leading cause of untimely death for dogs and cats in our country.

We can change that.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, if just 1 out of every 5 people getting a new cat or dog were to adopt from a shelter or rescue, not one single healthy cat or dog would lose his or her life in a shelter.

OUR STORY

M

y Furry Valentine brings together the passionate rescue community to help you find your perfect companion. Since 2012, we have helped facilitate the adoption of nearly 3,000 animals from reputable animal shelters and rescue groups by hosting the region’s largest animal adoption event. This year’s event will be our biggest one yet, with more than 800 animals available for adoption.

and dogs enter shelters in the U.S. and more than 3 million are euthanized. When you make the decision to adopt an animal, you are saving two lives—the life of the animal you adopt and the life of the animal that takes its place at a shelter or rescue.

This year’s event will be our largest one yet, with more than 800 animals available for adoption.

As our name suggests, you’ll fall in love with lots of pets at our The need for pet event, but we’re here to help you adoption is great here find your “furever” match. The in Cincinnati and caring employees at participating nationwide. Every year, groups know their pets well and more than 7 million cats can help you find the right fit for

your lifestyle and personality.

You’ll also meet our network of pet service providers (vets, trainers, groomers and other service providers) who can help your new pet feel right at home.

Pet adoption is just one way you can support our efforts.

Donations also help us continue our important work.

To find out more about donating, joining our team or the event in general, please visit www.MyFurryValentine.com.

More than 40 shelters and rescue groups participating and over 800 adoptable animals under one roof.

SIXTH ANNUAL

MEGA PET ADOPTION EVENT

All animals spayed/ neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations!

Saturday, February 11, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.* Sunday, February 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. where Sharonville Convention Center

cost General Admission: $5/person, ages 5+ Children 17 & under are free when accompanying an adult

Adoptions as low as $10 a cat and $40 a dog.

for more information visit

myfurryvalentine.com

*Early Bird Entry February 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Early Bird Admission: $25 for 1 - $40 for 2 Admission Is Limited

Tickets available online or at the door.

Free swag bag for every adopted animal!

OFFICIAL

Checklist for new adopters Before the Event Determine if you can afford and have time to take care of a pet Think through the kind of companion you want (small or large, active or couch potato, etc.)

Consider what major changes might happen during your pet’s 12-15 year lifetime (marriage, children, moving, etc.)

Browse our online pet gallery as well as those at participating shelters and rescues Submit an application to organizations that have animals you’re interested in so that you can be pre-approved and first in line!

Ensure your home (and family!) is set up for a pet

Notes:

Day of Event Bring photo ID Be prepared to cover adoption costs, which vary by group Bring copies of vet records for any current pets to demonstrate compliance with recommended annual care and vaccinations Bring proof that you can have a pet if you rent (e.g., letter from landlord or lease agreement) Do NOT bring your own animals.

You can arrange meet-and-greets separately with a shelter or rescue and/or ask them for advice on how to introduce your new friend Be understanding—finding the perfect match takes time!

Have an open mind—the Valentine you take home might be different than what you envisioned

After the Event Get an ID tag and well-fitting collar immediately Set your new pet up with the shelter, food, bedding and toys it needs to feel safe and secure Pet-proof your home, giving you both the best chance for a smooth transition Reach out to animal care professionals and service providers who can help with everything you’ll need to care for your new pet Be patient—give your new companion time and training to adjust to their new surroundings

Adoption 101 What is the difference between going to a pet store and adopting?

What’s the cost difference between adoption and buying?

Most puppies and dogs for sale in pet stores and online come from puppy mills, where breeding animals spend their lives in small cages with no human companionship, toys or comfort. When you adopt from MFV, not only can you can take comfort in knowing that you are supporting reputable shelters and rescues, you are also decreasing the demand for puppy mill animals.

Adoption costs less than buying an animal from a pet shop, a breeder or online. Many adopted animals even come home with food, toys or beds!

Buying a pet can easily cost $500 to $1,000, while adoption costs range from $50 to $200. Adopted pets have also been fully vaccinated and their adoption fee includes spaying or neutering.

How can I be sure to have the best chance at getting the animal I want?

Familiarize yourself with the list of shelters and rescues at our event, and determine which ones best fit your needs. If there are certain groups that stand out to you, fill out their applications ahead of time to ensure that you’re first in line!

Is it hard to adopt? Why do applications ask so many questions?

What if I’m looking for something specific?

Perfect animals of all breeds, shapes, ages and sizes are available at shelters and rescue groups!

Why would I adopt an older animal?

Adopting an older pet lets you avoid some of the hassles related to house-training and teething, which are associated with puppies or kittens. While they are cute, the youngest animals require a lot of time, training and patience…. and newspapers.

Shelters and rescues want to place as many animals as possible, but they also want to ensure their animals find lasting homes! Maybe your future companion needs lots of space, doesn’t get along well with other pets or needs other furry friends around the house. The only way to make the perfect match is by asking lots of questions.

What if I don’t meet all of the application qualifications?

That’s perfectly OK. If you don’t have a fenced-in yard or you live in an apartment, just call the group whose application you’re filling out and see what you can do to guarantee a safe home for your pet. My Furry Valentine works with dozens of reputable shelters and rescue groups, so we’ll help you find one with application requirements you can meet.

Visit

myfurryvalentine.com to learn more about adoption

A free spay/neuter will help fix problem behaviors.

Find out more at GiveThemTen.org.

1-844-GIVE TEN

MY FURRY VALENTINE

™

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Partners: Barefoot Proximity Wordsworth Communications CityBeat Mix 94.1 Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups: Adopt-A-Pit Rescue Adore-A-Bull Rescue Animal Adoption Foundation Animal Care Alliance Animal Friends Humane Society Barely Used Pets Brown County Humane Society Buckeye Bulldog Rescue Cincinnati Pit Crew Clermont to the Rescue Humane Society Exotic Animal Rescue and Pet Sanctuary Franklin County Humane Society His Eye Is On The Sparrow Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Cincinnati Humane Society of Adams County, Inc Joseph’s Legacy Kenton County Animal Shelter League for Animal Welfare

Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue Lucky Tales Rescue Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue Ohio Alleycat Resource & Spay/Neuter Clinic, Inc. Owen County Friends of Animals Pampered Pets Animal Rescue PAWS Adoption Center PAWS of Dearborn County Humane Center Petlovers, Inc. Pittie Paw Rescue Purrfect Friends Cat Rescue Robyn’s Nest Save Our Shelter Dogs Rescue Save the Animals Foundation Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati SPCA Cincinnati Stray Animal Adoption Program Sweet Dream House Rescue Tails of Hope Animal Rescue The Scratching Post Vendors: Animal Ark Pet Resort Animal Care Centers

Banfield Animal Hospital Bath Creations Bath Fitter Best Breed Pet Foods Brewhaus Dog Bones Bozley Pet Accessories Camp Bow Wow County Animal Hospital cruelTfreeCREATIONS Dog Country Daycare & Boarding Dog N Frog Earthwise Pet Faithful Companion Flying Fur/Flying Pig Marathon For Good Media Invisible Fence Brand of Cincinnati Jamie Morath Art Kirkwood Sweeper MedVet Medical & Cancer Center for Pets Moochie & Co Mr. Roof My Gorilla Garage Nehemiah Mfg Off Leash K9 Training Parsons Construction Group Pet Stop Of Cincinnati

Pet Supplies Plus PetPeople PetValu Project Blue Collar Queen Bee Raise the Bar Dog Training Red Dog Pet Resort and Spa Tailwaggers The Gutter Shutter The Owens Group The Paw House Top Golf Underdog K-9 Academy LLC West Chester Pet Resort and Spa Animal Advocate Groups: Angel’s Watch Canines for Christ of Greater Cincinnati Care Center Animal Blood Bank Fureverhome National Canine Cancer Foundation Ohio Police K9 Memorial Ohio Voters for Companion Animals Pets in Need of Greater Cincinnati

Treat your four-legged love with Whisk & Wag bake-at-home treat mix.

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