Kitten Bowl VI (Photo courtesy of Hallmark Channel)
The following is a press release from Hallmark Channel:
Hallmark Channel hosts the nation’s most beloved rescue pet adoption event of the year when “Kitten Bowl VI” premieres exclusively on, Sunday, February 3, 2019 (2 p.m. ET/PT). “Kitten Bowl” returns after a successful run at Super Bowl Live in Minneapolis in 2018 and will feature kittens rescued from across the country, all of whom will be vying for the National Championship of Feline Football trophy. The 2019 game also marks a milestone of more than 25,000 shelter pet adoptions since “Kitten Bowl” premiered in 2014.
The shelter pet adoption effort around “Kitten Bowl” began with five shelter partners five years ago. Through partnership with North Shore Animal League America, “Kitten Bowl” neighborhood shelter partners grew to 500 and will exceed that number in 2019. During “Kitten Bowl” weekend, shelter partners of North Shore Animal League America show clips from the show while showcasing beautiful animals from local areas in need of loving, forever homes. Many shelters will give away Hallmark Channel’s coveted “Kitten Bowl” trading card packs and the five shelters who adopt the most animals during the adoption event will receive cash grants. The “Kitten Bowl” adoption event runs from February 2-February 16.
TV personality, author and animal advocate Beth Stern returns as host for this year’s event from Hallmark Channel Stadium. Stern embodies the spirit of adoption in her everyday life, having fostered countless animals in need. Stern’s tireless year-round efforts to find homes for animals makes her a synergistic fit to lead the charge for “Kitten Bowl VI.”
On the day of the big game, Stern is joined by Dean Cain and former NFL player Rodney Peete for all the play-by-play action along with commentary by former NFL running back Rashad Jennings and fourtime Pro Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason, making “Kitten Bowl VI” the MUST SEE event on the day of the big game.
North Shore Animal League America and Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation drafted the 2019 teams. “Kitten Bowl” is part of Hallmark Channel’s evergreen pet initiative, ADOPTION EVER AFTER, which highlights the plight of homeless animals and the joys rescued and adopted pets bring into our lives.
“Kitten Bowl VI” is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment with Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub and Kathy Sutula serving as executive producers.
The following is a press release from Hallmark Channel:
Hallmark Channel announces the first-ever annual “Cat Bowl,” part of the network’s core philanthropic effort ADOPTION EVER AFTER, which uses entertainment programming to showcase animals available for adoption in neighborhoods all across America, is set to premiere exclusively on the network, Saturday, February 2, 2019 (10 p.m. ET/PT). “Cat Bowl” is a companion program to the network’s storied pet franchise, “Kitten Bowl,” the first animal competition on television to create awareness for the plight of homeless animals and the joys that adopted pets bring to our lives. The “Kitten Bowl” franchise is responsible for the adoption of more than 25,000 shelter pet adoptions over five years through partnership with North Shore Animal League America and its shelter partners across the country.
“Cat Bowl” will showcase adorable and adoptable adult ‘cat-letes’ as they compete on the gridiron for a special place in viewers hearts. Inspirational stories of senior and special needs cats will highlight the special event. During each year’s broadcast of “Kitten Bowl,” awareness for pet adoption rises dramatically. Hallmark Channel announces that with its partner North Shore Animal League America, “Cat Bowl” and “Kitten Bowl” will be a part of the biggest pet adoption event in the country. More than 500 shelter partners will showcase local animals available for adoption from February 2-February 16.
TV personality, author and animal advocate Beth Stern is the host for this year’s event from Hallmark Channel Stadium. Stern is joined by Hallmark Channel star Alison Sweeney and “Home & Family” co-host Cameron Mathison for all the play-by-play action. The special will also feature Where Are They Meow, stories that follow up on some former “Kitten Bowl” cat-letes such as Jerry Mice, Puma Esiason and last year’s star, Swirl.
North Shore Animal League America and Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation drafted the cats for a more heartwarming “Senior Bowl” than has ever taken place on the gridiron.
“Cat Bowl” is part of Hallmark Channel’s evergreen pet initiative, ADOPTION EVER AFTER, committed to educating the public about the many rewards of pet adoption in hopes of inspiring viewers to open their homes and hearts to shelter pets.
“Cat Bowl” is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment with Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub and Kathy Sutula serving as executive producers.
Jane Lynch with Toast at ASPCA ‘Noseblind’ Event at 24th Street Loft in New York City on February 25, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
The following is a press release from NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations:
NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal, today announced its fourth annual pet adoption campaign Clear the Shelters™ returns next month with NBC’s Jane Lynch joining the pet adoption campaign as spokesperson and host of a special “Clear the Shelters” show that will air next month. Launching in August and culminating with Clear the Shelters™ day on Saturday, August 18, the fourth annual Clear the Shelters™ pet adoption campaign will include the participation of NBC and Telemundo stations in more than 70 markets plus more than 600 animal shelters and rescues. On Saturday, August 18, shelters and rescues will reduce or waive pet adoption fees to help families adopt a new pet.
“Clear the Shelters has become a memorable event that communities look forward to every summer. We’re excited to work with our shelters partners once again to help families find their perfect pet. We also look forward to working with Jane to help raise even more awareness about animals needing homes,” said Valari Staab, President, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.
An Emmy® Award and Golden Globe® Award winner, host of NBC’s hit show “Hollywood Game Night,” successful actor and advocate of pet adoption issues, Lynch has four rescue dogs of her own including her two 11-year old dogs “Millie” a Pit-Shepherd mix and “Bernice” a Cocker Spaniel, as well as one-year old Cocker Spaniel “Rumi” and “Arbuckle” a seven-year old Australian Cattle dog that is an internet and social media sensation with more than 71,000 followers on Instagram @allaboutarbuckle.
“I am so looking forward to clearing the shelters with NBC and Telemundo stations! Every pet deserves a loving human and nothing loves a human more than rescue pets!,” added Lynch.
This August, Lynch work with the NBC and Telemundo stations to help raise awareness about the fourth annual Clear the Shelters™ pet adoption campaign and the importance of pet adoption. Lynch will also host a special show that will recap this year’s pet campaign. The special show will air on NBC stations on August 25 (check local listings).
For more information and news about the NBC and Telemundo stations’ Clear the Shelters™ ® pet adoption campaign including participating shelters/rescues, visit CleartheShelters.com. You can also follow the effort on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtag #CleartheShelters. To access information in Spanish, please visit DesocuparlosAlbergues.com and follow #DesocuparlosAlbergues. Since 2015, more than 150,000 pets have been adopted through Clear the Shelters™, an initiative spearheaded by NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. Clear the Shelters™ is sponsored nationally by Cat’s Pride® and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
About NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations
NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations is the division of NBCUniversal that includes 38 NBC and Telemundo local television stations serving 26 markets, a regional news network and their associated websites and digital platforms, as well as a group of out-of-home properties, a production company, an in-house marketing and promotions company and two national multicast networks, COZI TV and TeleXitos. The local stations, which can be viewed in 37 percent of U.S. homes and in Puerto Rico, produce and deliver their local communities compelling and unique local news, real-time weather forecasts, consumer and investigative reports and entertainment programming across all platforms to help keep their English and Spanish-speaking audiences informed anytime and anywhere.
The following is a press release from Meow MeetUp:
Cat lovers are rejoicing as the first-ever Meow MeetUp hits Chicagoland on July 21-22! This two-day event is hosted by the popular blog, The Catnip Times, and is the largest cat-centric event to ever take place in the Midwest. Want to spend a day or two to celebrate cats and take part in ameowzingly fun feline activities that purromise to both entertain and enlighten? Then Meow MeetUp is for you.
Why an event for cat lovers?
“Until now, the Internet has been the only way for people to share their interest of cats with a large community of cat lovers. On July 21 and 22, that will change. Not only will this be an opportunity to be surrounded by folks that are crazy about our feline friends, but the two days will be filled with dozens of educational and fun activities,” said Lauren Mieli, The Catnip Times’ & Meow MeetUp Founder.
Chicago’s own Steve Dale of Steve Dale’s Pet World will give the Saturday keynote titled “How Cats are the Rodney Dangerfield of Pets.” On Sunday, Becky Robinson, President and Founder of Alley Cat Allies, will present “How to #LoveCatsMore.” In addition, renowned veterinarians will be speaking on topics of interest to all cat owners, such as: the growing problem of cat obesity, how to deal with the loss of a pet, and debunking “kitty revenge” behavior.
Meow MeetUp also has fun activities and events to keep everyone entertained. Here are just a few:
The Cat Adoption Lounge, sponsored by PetComfort by WeatherTech. Scores of cats from Almost Home Foundation will be showcased and available for adoption to a loving, forever home.
The Kitty Yoga Studio, sponsored by Royal Canin, offers attendees the opportunity to relax and stretch with adoptable cats in a zen-like atmosphere.
The Cat Café, presented by Nulo Pet Food, features a jungle-themed cat café where participants will unwind with a “catpuccino,” enjoy other cat-themed refreshments, and play with or just observe some of the adoptable cats that will be present.
Lil BUB, (@iamlilbub), one of the Internet’s most popular cats with over 7 million followers will be available for Meet & Greets with 100% of the proceeds benefiting less fortunate pets. Also on hand for Meet & Greets will be local Instagram cat celebrities: Chuck the Duck, Eddie Meownster and Sinbad the Survivor.
A Feline Film Festival, Pampurr Pawlor Beauty Bar, Meow Mixer After Party, Breakfast & Kitty Bingo, Clicker Training, an Exhibit Hall and so much more…
Meow MeetUp is happening on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL from 9am – 5pm both days. General admission is $30 for adults, and $0-$15 for kids 12 and under. Be sure to avoid the fe-line and get your tickets online at www.meowmeetup.com then follow the feline fun using the event hashtag #meowmeetup
About The Catnip Times: Since 2012, the iconic cat blog, “The Catnip Times” has helped cat owners strengthen their bond with their cats through educational and entertaining content. With nearly one million followers in over 130 countries, The Catnip Times is a leading voice in the global cat community.
The second annual Cat Camp, a fan convention/adoption event, takes place May 5 and May 6, 2018, at the Penn Plaza Pavilion in New York City. The event will feature cat adoptions, panel discussions, meet-and-greets and vendors selling cat-related items and services. Guest speakers/panelists are well-known cat enthusiasts involved in cat rescuing, spaying/neutering and adoptions. The Petco Foundation is a presenting sponsor.
Here are some of the key differences between the event in 2018, compared to 2017:
New Partner: Cat expert Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell” and “Cat vs. Dog,” will be the keynote speaker and will do a meet-and-greet like he did in 2017. But in 2018, he has become a partner in the event, whose official title is now Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp. Cat Camp was co-founded by Christina Ha, owner of Meow Parlour, New York’s City first cat cafe, which opened in 2014. She is still a partner in Cat Camp.
New Location: The event has moved from the Metropolitan Pavilion to the larger Penn Plaza Pavilion in order to accommodate more people.
New Season: The 2017 Cat Camp took place in March at the tail end of the winter season, when it can still get very cold in New York City. Switching the event to May, a warmer month in spring (and just in time for kitten season), is a smarter choice and better for the event’s overall appeal.
New Pricing: The price of general admission for one adult has gone up from $10 to $25 per day, not including taxes and other additional fees. The price of general admission does not include access to the celebrity presentation panels or celebrity meet-and-greets. The meet-and-greets are separate ticketed events. In 2018, Galaxy, Hannah Shaw (also known as The Kitten Lady) and Lil Bub (with her owner Mike Bridavsky) are doing separate meet-and-greets on both days, so that means an attendee who wants to attend all meet-and-greets for Galaxy, Shaw and Lil Bub will have to pay for each meet-and-greet separately, with no discounts if you buy a ticket for more than one.
In 2018, that means Cat Camp admission for one adult for one day at this event can be as little as $25 (for general admission only) or as high as $300 for access to everything, including all three meet-and-greets. Multiply those numbers by two if you plan to attend on both days. The good news is that kids under the age of 6 still get free admission, but they must be accompanied by an adult with a Cat Camp ticket. There are also discounts for children ages 6 to 12.
While some people may have a problem with Cat Camp’s price of general admission nearly tripling in one year, the big jump in admission price probably has a lot to do with the fact that having the event at a bigger venue means a higher cost to do this event. The event organizers obviously want to make a profit, but they might want to consider getting celebrities who are more famous in order to justify the higher prices. For example, CatCon, the California rival to Cat Camp, has famous actors who are cat owners as part of its lineup. Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Kristen Bauer (“True Blood”) are part of the 2018 CatCon lineup, and CatCon has more celebrity names at about the same admission price as Cat Camp.
New Panelists: Returning guest speakers from the 2017 Cat Camp include “The Kitten Lady” Shaw and CatTown founder Adam Myatt. CatTown (located in Oakland, California) is the first permanent cat cafe in the United States.)
Andrew Marttila, cat photographer/videographer (He also happens to be Shaw’s boyfriend, photographer and videoographer, so if you follow The Kitten Lady on social media, you’ve seen him and his work.)
Although this is an event for cat enthusiasts, the only cats allowed at Cat Camp are those that have been pre-approved for adoptions or guest appearances. In other words, people have to leave their pet cats at home (for legal and health reasons, obviously), and this policy will be strictly enforced, say event organizers.
CatCon®, the biggest cat-centric, pop culture experience in the world, announced their 2018 talent line-up, schedule, and tickets on sale today. The all-immersive cat-stravaganza will once again take place at the Pasadena Convention Center, Saturday, August 4, and Sunday, August 5, 2018, in Pasadena, California.
UPDATE: “Vampire Diaries” star Ian Somerhalder is returning to CatCon in 2018 for a meet-and-greet.
Adoption will once again have a significant paw print, with Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA facilitating adoptions in the CatCon Adoption Village, in partnership with 9Lives® Cat Food and World’s Best Cat Litter™. Over 150 curated exhibitors will also be onsite, selling products in the areas of design, art, fashion, accessories, toys, and more, for cats and their people. Rounding out the weekend’s activities are seminars, workshops, interactive experiences and evening events.
CatCon’s charity of record for 2018 is the Ian Somerhalder Foundation for the second year in a row. The convention will donate $2 of every general admission ticket sale to the Foundation; funds generated from Meet and Greets will also benefit ISF, as well as Lil BUB’s Big Fund, Milo’s Sanctuary, Kitt Crusaders, and Kitten Rescue. Full details can be found on CatCon’s ticketing page.
Sponsors for CatCon 2018 include: ASPCA®, CatGenie®, Halo® pet food, Litter Genie®, Modern Cat Magazine, 9Lives® Cat Food, VIP Pet Care, World’s Best Cat Litter™, and The Westin Pasadena. More to be announced.
Ticket information, details on Meet and Greets, and a full schedule of events can be found here.
DATES: Saturday, August 4: 9am – 5pm
Sunday, August 5: 10am – 5pm
About CatCon: CatCon is the biggest experience of its kind, with 43,000 attendees to date. In the past three years, CatCon has donated $140,000 to organizations including the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, FixNation, Lil BUB’s Big Fund, Milo’s Sanctuary and Kitten Rescue, and helped to facilitate 327 adoptions onsite. Parent company Ticket Out Inc. also runs Cat Art Show, an exhibition series that has showcased some of the biggest names in the art world, including Shepard Fairey and Mark Ryden.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) has announced the 10 most popular cat breeds in the U.S. for 2017. For the fourth year in a row, the exotic was No. 1. CFA compiles the list based on its cat registry.
The same cat breeds that were in the Top 10 in 2016 were in the Top 10 in 2016. The rankings remained the same, except the Devon Rex rose from No. 10 to No. 9, and the Abyssinian dropped from No. 9 to No. 10.
Here are CFA’s Top 10 cat breeds in the U.S. for 2017:
The following is a press release from the Cat Fanciers’ Association:
The Cat Fanciers’ Association expanded its list of registered breeds effective May 1, welcoming one new breed to Championship status, and two new breeds into Miscellaneous status.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc8yHE8d3zY
The Bengal is a medium to large domestic cat most renowned for its richly colored, highly contrasted coat of vivid spots or distinctive marbling. The Bengal is the only domestic cat breed that can have rosettes like the markings on Leopards, Jaguars and Ocelots. They have been competing in the Miscellaneous class since 2016, and have been promoted to full Championship status, starting with the new show season on May 1. This change will allow the Bengals to compete against all the other recognized breeds for titles and year-end awards.
In addition, two new breeds were accepted for competition in the Miscellaneous class, beginning with the new show season on May 1. The Miscellaneous class is the starting point for breed recognition with CFA, and puts the breed on exhibition at the shows, allowing the judging panel a chance to examine the cats and discuss the proposed breed standard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuLPf4CXWXw
Considered a national treasure, the Khao Manee is an ancient breed originating from Thailand. It is referenced in “the Cat Book of Poems” written at least 700 years ago. The Khao Manee is a pure, glistening white cat with luminous, vibrant eye color. The jewel-like eyes can be any shade of blue, green, gold or odd. Mosaic eyes, while rare, are accepted. Built for hot weather, the Khao Manee is a lithe, muscular, athletic cat, but never bulky. They are devoted to their owners and are curious, intelligent cats. The “White Gem” cat is thought to bring good luck to those lucky enough to have one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f05PeZ9hdg
The Lykoi, which in Greek, roughly translates to “wolf”, is a breed derived from a naturally occurring mutation found in the feral cat population. The Lykoi is a partially hairless breed of cat with a roan coat that is unique to them. The physical impression of the Lykoi is a striking cat with a mythical, werewolf-like appearance.
They have large, bright, walnut-shaped eyes and distinct partial hairlessness around the eyes, nose, muzzle and chin. The Lykoi coat is rough in appearance, but soft and silky to the touch. The high and erect ears, sitting atop a triangular head with rounded contours, paint an accurate picture of a very curious and inquisitive cat. The Lykoi, a very active cat, prefers hunting over cuddling, yet insists on human attention and interaction.
Two-Tone Jones in “Kitten Bowl V” (Photo courtesy of Hallmark Channel)
The following is a press release from Hallmark Channel:
Hallmark Channel, America’s favorite family-friendly cable television network, is recreating Kitten Bowl live in the Dayton Building of Nicollet Mall as part of the 10-day Super Bowl Live experience in Minneapolis, MN. Nearly 100 furry “cat-letes” will take the field over a 10-day period to see which team will be crowned Feline Football League champions and take home the coveted Hissman Trophy. This year’s show is truly unique as is it includes back stories about the rescues of some of the Cat-letes – including many from the devastation of Hurricane Irma. Viewers will also see some of kittens find their forever homes, on-set, at the end of the show. Kitten Bowl is part of Super Bowl Live from Friday, January 26 at 4 p.m. Central Time and through Sunday, February 4 at 3 p.m.
Fans coming to Kitten Bowl Live Presented by Hallmark Channel will be greeted by a life-like version of Rodney Peete, former NFL great and current Kitten Bowl play-by-play announcer, in the broadcast booth.
Rodney Peete and his wife, Holly Robinson Peete, stars of Hallmark Channel’s new family reality series “Meet the Peets” will make appearances on NFL Radio Row, January 31 (2-6 p.m.), February 1 (8 a.m.Noon), and February 2 (8 a.m.-Noon), and host media at Kitten Bowl Presented by Hallmark Channel at Nicollet Mall, January 31 (8 a.m. -Noon), February 1 (2-6 p.m.), February 2 (2-6 p.m.).
Fans will tour the Purr-king Lot for pre-game tailgating and the locker room where kittens chill before hitting the field.
Next, it’s on to Hallmark Channel Stadium to see kittens claw out a victory as the felines show off their best Stefon Diggs catches and leaps through the goal posts for extra points.
Fans will memorialize the experience at the Paws of Fame Trophy Room and capture a photo worthy of social sharing in front of the MVK (“Most Valuable Kitten”) Wall. Snap a photo with former greats of the game: Tomcat Brady, Tabby Romo, Mew Brees, Joe Montuna, and more.
Kitten Bowl is an entertainment program produced by Hallmark Channel to bring awareness to the plight of homeless animals and to show the most beautiful animals in the world are available for adoption from your own local shelter.
The final stop on the tour is the Adoption Ever After room which features shelter pets from Minneapolis and surrounding areas who need a loving and forever home. A simple act of adoption helps to clear the shelters. Kittens on the field are provided by North Shore Animal League America and all furry players are available to be adopted.
For those who cannot make it to Minnesota there are 500 Kitten Bowl parties at local shelters all across the country. To find a Kitten Bowl Party near you go to www.hallmarkchannel/kitten-bowl. Have fun and do good! Come to the Kitten Bowl Presented by Hallmark Channel, January 26 – February 4. You just might bring home the love of your life.
“Kitten Bowl V,” a three-hour original special premieres on Hallmark Channel, Sunday, February 4 (Noon and 3 p.m. ET/PT).
“Kitten Bowl” host Beth Stern (Photo courtesy of Hallmark Channel)
The following is a press release from Hallmark Channel:
January 13, 2018
Hallmark Channel brings “Kitten Bowl V” on the road to Super Bowl LII as a major activation hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota for ten days leading up to the day of the big game. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ TV Critics Association Winter Press Tour. Beginning Friday, January 26th through Sunday, February 4th, guests taking part in all the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl can celebrate Kitten Bowl, the nation’s most beloved rescue pet adoption event of the year. Fans who visit will see kittens compete on the field at Hallmark Channel Stadium, tailgate in the purr-king lot, tour the Paws of Fame trophy room, take a photo with the Hissman trophy and share their memories via social media. Guests will even be able to take home a souvenir: an official pack of “Kitten Bowl” trading cards. The major component of the activation is to support Hallmark Channel’s Adoption Ever After campaign and, with the help of North Shore Animal League America, kittens will be available for adoption on site.
“Bringing ‘Kitten Bowl’ to the Super Bowl is a dream come true. We have seen the franchise grow tremendously in support of animal adoption over time, evolving from entertainment into America’s most beloved national rescue pet adoption event,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. “This is the first time Hallmark Channel will have a major media presence at the Super Bowl and the activation of ‘Kitten Bowl V’ will help elevate the network’s Adoption Ever After initiative of finding all animals forever homes.” The presence among the NFL and Super Bowl LII leads in to the kick-off of “Kitten Bowl V” premiering exclusively on the network, Sunday, February 4 (12 p.m. Eastern Time/Pacific Time). The 2018 version of “Kitten Bowl” features countless displaced kittens rescued from some of the country’s recent natural disasters of 2017, all of whom will be vying for the National Championship of Feline Football trophy – and a loving, forever home in which to display it.
TV personality, author and animal advocate Beth Stern hosts this year’s television event. Stern embodies the spirit of adoption in her everyday life, having fostered countless animals in need. Stern’s tireless, year-round efforts to find homes for animals makes her a synergistic fit to lead the charge for “Kitten Bowl V,” truly a super day of adorable pets. On the day of the big game, four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and Feline Football League Commissioner Boomer Esiason calls the play-by-play action making “Kitten Bowl V” super Sunday’s MUST-SEE viewing party. Hallmark Channel’s Dean Cain, Alison Sweeney and former NFL star Rodney Peete, animal lovers and adoption advocates, provide commentary throughout the event, in addition to heartwarming adoption stories.
North Shore Animal League America and Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation rescued the 2018 team. “Kitten Bowl” is part of Hallmark Channel’s Adoption Ever After pet initiative, which highlights the plight of homeless animals and the joys rescued and adopted pets bring into our lives.
The following is a press release from Hallmark Channel:
Hallmark Channel, the country’s leading provider of family friendly entertainment, announced today the rebranding of its corporate pet initiative with a new name, logo, and reinforced commitment to educating the public about the many rewards of pet adoption. Originally launched as Pet Project in 2012, the campaign has been rebranded as Adoption Ever After, bringing the core call to action – adopt – to the forefront. Working in collaboration with the country’s leading animal rescue and welfare organizations, activists, distribution and advertising partners, and celebrity influencers, Hallmark Channel’s Adoption Ever After aims to dismantle common misconceptions about shelter animals, provide resources, inspire the public to adopt, and ultimately put an end to this country’s epidemic of pet homelessness. As Adoption Ever After grows, Crown Media will forge new partnerships with other companies and brands to raise awareness for shelter animals.
The first such partnership is with Bissell and Bissell Pet Foundation, which works tirelessly on their “Empty the Shelters” campaign. Proving that highly successful brands can band together. The hope is that this venture is the first of many alliances that will help clear the shelters. “Every year, millions of perfectly healthy and lovable animals needlessly die in shelters – and while progress has been made in recent years, we still have a long way to go in the movement against pet homelessness,” said Crown Media Family Networks President & CEO, Bill Abbott. “With Hallmark Channel’s Adoption Ever After, we are honored to give these animals a platform, spark a national dialog about the importance of adoption, and save lives.”
The initiative includes such programming elements as “Kitten Bowl,” “Hero Dog Awards,” “American Rescue Dog Show” and daily pet adoption segments on “Home & Family,” as well as off-air elements, grassroots efforts, social media outreach and strategic partnerships. In addition, Hallmark Channel’s two shelter pet mascots, Happy the Dog and Happy the Cat, continue to embody the beauty, intelligence and lovability of adopted pets on-air and through public appearances.
