NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEK - ADOPTION EVENT

in 7 days
When
Saturday, March 28th 2026 at 11:00 US/Central

Join us for an adoption event in honor of PetSmart National Adoption Week

We’re excited to be part of PetSmart National Adoption Week this March, and we’d love for you to join us!


One year is too long to wait. Any animal who has been in our care for over a year will be 50% off their adoption fee during the week (March 23 - 29). Help us give our long-time residents the fresh start they deserve.

Come meet some of our adorable adoptable cats who are looking for loving homes! Our team will be on-site to introduce you to these amazing animals, answer questions about adoption, and help you find the perfect match for your family.

We may also have a few adoptable dogs stopping by to meet potential adopters, so you never know who you might fall in love with.

Adopting a pet is life-changing—for both you and them. Every adoption helps create space for us to rescue more animals in need.

What to expect:

  • Meet adoptable cats (and possibly dogs!)

  • Talk with our volunteers about adoption

  • Learn more about fostering and getting involved

  • Find your new best friend


Whether you're ready to adopt or just want to stop by and say hello, we’d love to see you there!

Give a homeless pet the happily-ever-after they deserve.

We will update this event with the list of attending animals a couple of days before the event, so please check back here! You can also email info@sayvanimals.org to ask about specific animals.

During PetSmart National Adoption Week (March 23-29), adoption fees are 50% off for animals that have been in our care for one year or more. Learn more here: sayvanimals.org/worththewait

Where
1512 South Randall Road, Geneva, IL, USA
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FAQ FAQ
What is the goal of National Adoption Week and the 50% off adoption fees?
PetSmart National Adoption Week highlights animals who need homes and helps long-term residents find families. SAYv is offering 50% off adoption fees for any animal that has been in our care one year or more to make them more adopters-accessible, free up space to rescue more animals, and celebrate successful matches. The promotion applies March 23–29 for qualifying animals; check sayvanimals.org/worththewait or email info@sayvanimals.org for the updated list of animals attending the event.
I can't adopt right now — how can I still make a meaningful impact at the event?
There are several high-impact ways to help: 1) Share the event and adoptable profiles on social media and with local groups to increase visibility. 2) Bring or donate needed supplies (blankets, kitten food, toys, litter, collars) — check the organization’s current wish list. 3) Volunteer to help at the event, or sign up to foster short- or long-term to open space in the shelter. 4) Offer transport help for out-of-area adopters or rescues. Email info@sayvanimals.org to coordinate specific needs or ask about volunteer/foster sign-ups.
How should I prepare to meet animals at the event so I can find the best match?
Arrive ready to observe and ask questions: be calm and quiet, avoid sudden movements, and let the animal approach at its own pace. Bring a photo ID if you might adopt. Think ahead about your household (other pets, children, work schedule) so volunteers can recommend compatible animals. Ask about the animal’s behavior, medical history, energy level, and any special needs. If you plan to adopt, bring a safe carrier for cats or a leash and collar for dogs for secure transport home.
What paperwork, costs, and home checks should I expect if I decide to adopt?
Typical steps include completing an adoption application, paying the adoption fee (note: qualifying long-term animals are 50% off during National Adoption Week), presenting a photo ID, and providing landlord or vet references if requested. Animals are usually vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped; confirm specifics with staff. Some adoptions may include a brief homecheck or phone follow-up and a return/trial period—ask volunteers about the shelter’s post-adoption support and resources.
Are there any weather or safety precautions I should take when attending and transporting an adopted pet?
Yes. If the weather is hot or cold, plan for safe transport: bring a well-ventilated carrier, towels or blankets, bottled water, and cooling packs in heat or extra insulation in cold weather. Never leave an animal alone in a parked car. If you’re feeling ill, please stay home and send a trusted friend to represent you. Follow volunteers’ handling instructions at the event to reduce stress for animals and people. After bringing a new pet home, give them a quiet, secure space to adjust and schedule a follow-up vet visit if needed.
Facts Did you know?
Facts

About 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year — adopting helps reduce that number and give animals a second chance.

ASPCA — Pet Statistics: https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics

Facts

Every adoption opens a spot in a shelter, allowing another animal to be rescued or taken in — your choice to adopt directly increases lifesaving capacity.

The Humane Society of the United States — Why Adopt: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-adopt-pet-shelter

Facts

Many shelters and rescue groups include core veterinary care (spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping) with adoption, so adoption fees often cover important upfront medical costs.

Petfinder — Why Adopt: https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/why-adopt/

Facts

Adult and senior pets are frequently calmer, often already housetrained, and very affectionate — adopting an older animal can be an easier transition and gives a deserving pet a loving home.

Petfinder — Senior Pets: https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/senior-pets/

Facts

Fostering a pet while they wait for a forever home markedly increases that animal’s chances of adoption by improving socialization and reducing shelter stress.

ASPCA — Foster Care: https://www.aspca.org/take-action/aspca-foster

Facts

Interacting with companion animals has measurable mental-health benefits — lowering stress and loneliness — so adopting, volunteering, or attending adoption events can boost community wellbeing.

CDC & HABRI — Health benefits of human–animal interactions: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html, https://habri.org/