Mars Petcare US Hosts Two Adoption Fairs During Company Volunteer Month

Mars' Temple Associates Making a Difference, Helping Pets in Need

TEMPLE, Texas, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mars Petcare US in Temple, Texas is hosting two pet adoption fairs in October as part of their company-wide volunteer program.  The adoption fairs will help find homes for dozens of pets across Bell County.  The first adoption fair is happening on October 13 and includes more than 60 adoptable pets from the Bell County Animal Control.  This event will be held at the animal control's facility located at 2509 South Loop 121, Belton, Texas.

The second adoption event, Dogs 4 Dogs Adoption Fair, is happening on October 20 and includes more than 100 adoptable pets from Temple Animal Shelter.  This event will be held at the shelter's facility located at 620 Mama Dog Circle, Temple, Texas.

"Last year we hosted one adoption event but we quickly realized that we can do more," said Russ Hayes, plant manager at Mars Petcare US in Temple. "So that's what we did.  Working with two shelters – on two separate events – helps us to find homes for more pets more often."  

Each adoption fair is a free, family-friendly event and four-legged family members are welcome to attend with their owners. Everyone who adopts a pet at either event will receive an adoption care package including PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs or WHISKAS® Food for Cats. There will also be home-made baked goods for sale with all proceeds directly benefiting the participating shelter. Free hot dogs will be available.

"This couldn't come at a better time," said Walter Hetzel, director, Temple Animal Shelter.    "We have so many great dogs and cats that need a second chance.  We can't wait to see them pick out a new family this weekend."

With an estimated eight million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues each year, it's more important than ever for adoption to be the first consideration for potential pet owners.

"Mars Petcare is one of our biggest supporters," Walter said.  "It means whole lot when a company like that shares your passion and partners with you."

Both adoption drives are initiatives by the Temple Mars Petcare US facility as part of the annual Mars Volunteer Program (MVP) in October. More than 2,200 Mars Petcare US associates at offices and factories across the United States will make a difference by volunteering in activities that benefit the local communities where they live and work.

For more information about Mars Petcare US, please visit http://www.mars.com.

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today.  Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Mars Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Mars brands include: Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, BANFIELD® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO™, EBLY™, MASTERFOODS™ and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – ALTERRA®™, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.®, KLIX™ and FLAVIA®; Mars Symbioscience –SERAMIS™, CIRKU® and COCOAVIA®.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, SHEBA® Food for Cats, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand, and TEMPTATIONS® Treats for Cats, as well as exclusive brands products for some of the leading retailers in the U.S. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,200 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 15 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

®/™ Trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2012

SOURCE Mars Petcare US