As leaders in the animal welfare sector in the valley, Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA knows that when it comes to dogs, maturity matters! Now we need help spreading this word to the community.

Did you know? There are a lot of variables at play when raising a puppy including training, socializing, and.....genetics! Behavior problems have a tendency to crop up as a dog reaches maturity, taking many owners by surprise. In fact, many people choose to adopt or purchase a puppy under the belief that they'll be able to train the dog to be the best ever - but even if you do everything right, there is still some unpredictability in the end result (genetics play a major role!). But what if you skipped to the part where they're already mature?

When you adopt or foster an adult dog, you have a better chance of knowing what you're getting. Looking for a super social dog? Need a dog that will get along with other dogs? Need a dog that that isn't too energetic? The beauty of adopting an adult dog is that you'll know their personality and can pick a match that best fits your lifestyle. Sure, there could still be some training, we're not saying they're perfect - but basic obedience is a lot easier to train than trying to mold a dog into something it's not.

So how are we spreading the word? Through our "Mutt-urity Matters" campaign! Adult dog surrenders are up 25% this year (we've increased our dog intakes by 130 dogs just in the first half of the year), and we have lots of gems just sitting in the shelter waiting to be discovered. This marketing campaign is meant to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting or fostering an adult dog, and hopefully will help us raise our adoption rates and increase our foster homes in return.

Help us raise awareness around the benefits of adopting or fostering an adult dog with a gift of $10. In exchange, you can pick up a "Mutt-urity Matters" yard sign from RHSPCA, and we'll put up a second yard sign in a public space! Want to support this campaign with a donation of greater than $10? Excess donations will be used to care for our animals and are more than welcome.

Skip that "teenage dirtbag" phase of canine adolescence - you'll thank us later! Adopt or foster an adult dog. Know what you're getting.

WAYS TO SUPPORT RHSPCA'S ADULT DOGS:

There are a few ways you that you can support our Mutt-urity Matters campaign and adult dog adoptions in general.

Purchase a Yard Sign (see details below)
Purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt (limited availability at shelter, more availability online. See details below.)
Become a business sponsor in partnership with WHSV to help us advertise our Pet Of The Week and adult dog adoptions. (See details below)

NOTES FOR SIGN PURCHASE & PICK-UP:

RHSPCA is open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Wednesday evenings from 5-7pm.
For ease of pick-up, please plan to show your purchase receipt if you purchase through this webpage (printed or on phone is fine). In-person cash, check, or card payments can also be processed at the shelter.
You will be given 1 sign, we will make sure the other one gets placed in a public location. If you have a recommendation - we'd be all ears!
Have you adopted an adult dog? We'd love to hear all of the benefits you've seen! Share your story in the supporter feed!
Questions on this campaign? Please email Kaitlin Mazer at kmazer@rhspca.org.

PURCHASING A T-SHIRT OR SWEATSHIRT

Purchase your Mutt-urity Matters shirt online and have it shipped directly to you: www.bonfire.com/mutturitymatters. This online store offers more color, style, & size choices (including options for kids!)
A limited number of t-shirts are available at the shelter in navy color sizes S-2XL

BECOME A PET OF THE WEEK SPONSOR

RHSPCA has partnered with WHSV and local businesses to advertise pet adoptions. We are looking for local businesses interested in signing up for a one-month period of time. During this month, your business will receive advertising benefits from both WHSV and RHSPCA. To inquire more about this opportunity, email Kaitlin Mazer at kmazer@rhpsca.org.

MUTT-URITY MATTERS

Adopt Or Foster An Adult Dog. Know What You're Getting.