Mars Petcare US Hosts Third Annual Pet Adoption Fair

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 15, Mars Petcare US will host the third annual Mars Petcare Adoption Fair in partnership with 25 breed rescues and animal shelters from surrounding counties. The event is Middle Tennessee’s largest pet adoption fair and will be held at Mars Petcare US headquarters from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 315 Cool Springs Boulevard in Franklin, Tenn.

The Mars Petcare Adoption Fair is a free event featuring over 180 local dogs and cats for adoption, free food and drinks, activities for the entire family, music and raffle prizes.  Bestselling author and nationally syndicated celebrity pet expert Harrison Forbes will be available for adoption advice as well as Mars Petcare's nutritionist, Dr. Tiffany Bierer, seen nationally on Animal Planet's TV show Dogs 101.  

"There's something powerful about inviting a homeless pet into your family," said Luc Mongeau, president, Mars Petcare US. "This event will be fun for everyone, but most importantly, it will be a life changing second chance for many local dogs and cats."  

With an estimated eight million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues each year, it's important for potential pet parents to ask the proper questions when considering adoption.  In addition to the on-site experts, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital, MARS VETERINARY®, American Kennel Club, PetSmart and many others will be available to educate new parents and answer questions about the rewards and expectations associated with a successful pet adoption.  To celebrate, Mars Petcare US will give each new pet parent a three-month supply either PEDIGREE® food for dogs or WHISKAS® food for cats with their adoption during the event.

"Even if you are not looking to adopt, you should bring your tail-wagging family members along to enjoy the activities," said Judy Ladebauche, executive director, Metro Animal Control.  "Coming together to recognize the hard work by our local breed rescues and animal shelters is a great way to show your support."

Last year's event found loving homes for 62 homeless pets in Middle Tennessee.  

The third annual Mars Petcare Adoption Fair is an initiative by Franklin-based Mars Petcare US as part of the annual Mars Volunteer Program (MVP) in October. More than 2,700 Mars Petcare US employees at offices and factories across the United States will make a difference by volunteering in activities that benefit the local communities where they live and work.

For more information about the third annual Mars Petcare Adoption Fair, please visit http://marsadoptionfair.eventbrite.com/.

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today.  Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Mars brands include: Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, BANFIELD® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – SERAMIS®, CIRKU™ and COCOAVIA™.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About Mars Petcare US  
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held, family-owned Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand and CRAVE™ Treats for Cats. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,700 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 16 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

SOURCE Mars Petcare US