Hill's Pet of the Month Program Helps Shelter Pets Get Adopted

The Story Behind Hill's Pet of the Month

Hill's Pet Nutrition, one of the largest pet food companies in the world, started their Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program back in 2002. This program was designed to help homeless pets in shelters find loving forever homes by providing food donations, volunteering, and adoption drives. As part of this program, Hill's highlights a special adoptable Pet of the Month at shelters across North America.

The goals of the Pet of the Month program are to draw attention to shelter pets in need of homes, encourage potential adopters to visit their local shelter, and increase pet adoptions. Shelters simply submit their adoptable pet's story and a picture to Hill's each month and then Hill's chooses one pet to feature on their website and social media.

How Pets Are Chosen

Hill's looks for pets that are extra special and have great adoption stories. They choose pets that have unique personalities and are in great need of a home. The pets must be ready to be adopted immediately and available to meet people as part of the adoption process. This may include pets that have been waiting a long time for a home or have overcome significant challenges. Hill's wants to tell their story to inspire people to give them a chance.

Benefits for Shelters and Pets

Being named Hill's Pet of the Month provides huge benefits for both the shelter and the pet. For the shelter, it brings awareness about their adoptable pets and often leads to increases in visitors, donations, and adoptions. For the pet, it gives them national exposure to potential adopters. Adoption inquiries and applications come in from all over after being featured.

Hill's promotes the Pet of the Month heavily on their websites and social media channels. Their websites receive around 2 million visitors per month, so it's great exposure. Hill's has around 330,000 Facebook followers as well. Often the pet's story will get picked up by news outlets and dog blogs too, furthering their reach and chances of finding a home.

2022 Pets of the Month

Let's take a look back at some of the special pets chosen as Hill's Pet of the Month in 2022:

January 2022: Clover from Kentucky

Clover is a 1-year-old boxer/pit bull mix who came to the Kentucky Humane Society with significant injuries. She had extensive scarring and open wounds on her neck likely from being tied up with chains or ropes her entire life. Despite her traumatic past, Clover loves people and gets along great with other dogs. Her silly, playful personality won over the folks at Hill's Pet Nutrition and many adopters.

February 2022: Felix from Oregon

Felix is a handsome 3-year-old cat who came into a Portland, Oregon shelter as a stray. He loves to be petted and will roll over on his back when he sees people so they will rub his belly. Felix also enjoys playing with wand toys. He had been waiting months for his purr-fect match when Hill's selected him to be the Pet of the Month. Within days of being featured, Felix found his forever home.

March 2022: Archie from Illinois

Archie is a 6-year-old mixed breed dog who was surrendered to a shelter in Illinois after his family could no longer care for him. This sweet boy is house-trained, knows basic commands, and loves going for walks and car rides. Archie is always smiling and gives the best hugs. Hill's could see what an amazing companion he would make. Since being featured, Archie has been adopted into a wonderful forever home.

April 2022: Leia from New York

Leia is a 1-year-old pit bull mix who came to the ASPCA in New York City. She was found as a stray giving birth to seven puppies. Tragically, none of the puppies survived. Leia was a wonderful mother and was very gentle with her babies. She loves people and is full of energy. She needed an outlet for her enthusiasm so she could thrive. Hill's knew Leia would excel with an active family committed to training. Hundreds applied to adopt Leia after seeing her Pet of the Month post.

May 2022: Smokey from California

Smokey is a 2-year-old grey cat who was surrendered to a high-kill shelter in California after his owner passed away. He is a sweet, mellow guy who likes napping, playing with feather toys, and curling up on laps. Smokey was quiet and shy at the shelter. Hill's wanted to help him come out of his shell and embraced his dream of a forever home. Since being featured, Smokey has been happily adopted.

June 2022: Hank from Texas

Hank is a 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix who was wandering the streets before being rescued by a shelter in Texas. He can be a little shy when he first meets new people but quickly warms up. Hank loves playing fetch, going for walks, and splashing around in the kiddie pool. He needed some work on his leash manners but was eager to learn. Hill's knew Hank's sweet nature would shine through with training. His Pet of the Month post received so much interest that he had his pick of adopters.

July 2022: Callie from Missouri

Callie is a 5-year-old terrier mix who came to the Humane Society of Missouri with her 7 newborn puppies. She was an excellent mother but once her pups were weaned and adopted, Callie was left behind. She has a sunny, affectionate personality and loves people of all ages. Callie enjoys going for walks, playing with toys, and snuggling on the couch. As July's Pet of the Month, many families were interested in bringing home this loving girl.

August 2022: Leo from Pennsylvania

Leo is an 8-year-old lionhead bunny who was surrendered to a shelter in Pennsylvania when his owner could no longer care for him. Despite his age, Leo is very active and loves playing with toys and racing around. He is litter-box trained and enjoys eating fresh greens. Leo is gentle and loves to snuggle. Hill's featured Leo as Pet of the Month to show what a great companion a senior bunny can make for the right family.

September 2022: Roxy from Washington

Roxy is a 1-year-old American pit bull mix who came to the Seattle Humane Society as a transfer from an overcrowded California shelter. She can be shy at first but once she feels comfortable, Roxy is the sweetest cuddle bug. She loves people and gets along great with other dogs. Roxy knows basic commands and is eager to learn more with positive reinforcement training. As September's Pet of the Month, many families applied to meet this special girl.

The Impact of Hill's Pet of the Month

The Hill's Pet of the Month program has helped so many deserving shelter pets find loving homes over the past 20 years. Many pets who may have otherwise been overlooked have got a second chance thanks to theMonthmonth exposure. Shelters consistently see increases in adoptions and donations after having a Pet of the Month featured. Most importantly, these special pets find the forever families they deserve.

Hill's is committed to helping pets in need through adoption drives, donations, and promoting adoptable pets. Their Pet of the Month program is just one way they are making a difference for homeless pets. If you're looking to add a furry friend to your family, be sure to check your local shelter's website for their adoptable pets. You never know, you may find your perfect Pet of the Month match.

FAQs

How are pets chosen to be featured as Hill's Pet of the Month?

Hill's looks for pets that have great adoption stories and unique personalities. They want pets that are ready to be adopted immediately and available to meet potential adopters. This may include pets that have been waiting a long time or overcome challenges.

What are the benefits of being selected as Pet of the Month?

It provides huge exposure on Hill's website (2 million visitors/month) and social media (330k Facebook followers). This draws attention to adoptable pets and often leads to increases in shelter visitors, donations, and adoptions.

How did the 2022 Hill's Pets of the Month find homes?

Many 2022 Pets of the Month found forever homes very quickly after being featured. For example, Felix the cat was adopted within days. Others like Leia and Roxy had hundreds of adoption applications sent in from across North America.

Does Hill's Pet of the Month help shelters?

Yes, shelters consistently see rises in adoptions and donations after having a Pet of the Month. It brings awareness to shelter pets in need and spotlights their work.

Where can I see adoptable pets near me?

Check your local shelter's website for adoptable pets. You can find Pet of the Month pets and many other animals in need of forever homes.