Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles have partnered with three local animal shelters to promote pet adoptions by covering all adoption fees until the end of their 2024 season. The initiative is part of the team's "Dawg Mentality" campaign, aiming to give pets a second chance at finding loving homes.

The participating shelters include Providence Animal Center in Media, Pennsylvania, Street Tails in Philadelphia, and Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, New Jersey. Each shelter has its own adoption guidelines, and potential adopters are encouraged to visit their websites for more information.

Providence Animal Center recently visited the NovaCare Complex, bringing five puppies and an adult dog named Linc to interact with Eagles players. A.J. Brown, Grant Calcaterra, Lewis Cine, Cooper DeJean, Jordan Mailata, and others spent time with the dogs and even gave them names like A.J., Covey, Nick Sirianni, and Cleo.

Jo-Ann Zoll, CEO of Providence Animal Center, expressed gratitude for the partnership: "It's amazing to have the opportunity to be with the players," she said. "And for them to be able to use their platforms to help these dogs and to interact with them and show how friendly they are and that they just need a home."

The collaboration aims to raise awareness about pet adoption among Eagles fans who might not typically consider adopting a pet. Justina Calgiano, Communications Consultant for Providence Animal Center stated: "It's an audience that the shelter might not normally reach...when you bring both worlds together...it could make a really big difference."

The event was deemed successful as four puppies found new homes during the visit. The increased visibility from this partnership is expected to encourage more adoptions in the future.