By Steffanie Jensen

The holidays are finally here, and what better way to spend them than with a new furry friend? Not sure where to begin? Trendy Pet & Rescue, a pet accessories retail store in Scottsdale, helps find new homes for abandoned pets by offering free space for animals from no-kill shelters.

“Any no-kill shelter is welcome to use our space for their animal’s adoption,” says store manager Angela Chavez. The store has puppies and kittens from a variety of shelters including Four Peaks Animal Rescue, Litter League, Foot Hills Animal Rescue and Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. All shelters are reputable and very passionate about helping their animals find good homes. No-kill shelters are against euthanasia and “will foster home pets until they are adopted,” Chavez says. “Adoption specialists from each shelter come in weekly, and all animals come microchipped, vaccinated, and are already spayed or neutered.”

Tips For Adoption Success

Valerie Donigian of the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) has a few tips to keep in mind when adopting an animal from a shelter. “I would say one of the most important questions people should be asking [when adopting dogs] is about the dog’s socialization history—both with other dogs, and with humans.” At AAWL and Trendy Pet & Rescue, behavioral history is something readily available for prospective pet owners. Another important consideration when adopting a dog is their required exercise level. Donigian says it’s important to get a dog that matches your fitness level. “Most dogs need daily exercise. Some need to run for miles, others just need 20 minutes. The point is, if you can’t provide the adequate exercise time for the breed you’re looking to adopt, there’s a better [match elsewhere],” she continues. At AAWL, there is much information provided to make sure the family and pet make a good match for one another. Donigian says before an adoption is finalized, AAWL asks that all members of the family (including other canines) come visit. AAWL also rents out spaces in the Chandler Mall and at Petsmart locations around Phoenix for their pets to meet potential new owners.

Gifts For Your Pets

If you already have a pet and need some new treats, toys, hygiene care, dental care or holiday gifts for your furry companion, Trendy Pets & Rescue carries a wide variety of products to suit all of your pet care needs. On Dec. 2 and 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Scottsdale Fashion Square will hold a Pets’ Night with Santa so bring your pet in for a photo with Santa plus treats courtesy of Trendy Pets & Rescue, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

Businesses such as Trendy Pet & Rescue, PetSmart and Petco are helping no-kill shelters with their adoptions by creating greater visibility in the community. Here is a partial list of no-kill shelters in Arizona. You can also search online for a no-kill adoption location in your community.

Photo by Crista Alvey