Fall is here, and that means it's time for one of our favorite traditions of the year: Pumpkins & Pawprints, formally known as our Fall Fur Adoption Event! Throughout October, every Care-A-Lot Pet Supply location is teaming up with local rescue organizations to help pets in our community find loving homes, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

What's Happening

From October 1st through the 31st, you can stop by any of our stores and meet adoptable pets from some wonderful local shelters and rescues. Throughout the month, we're proud to host:

• Norfolk SPCA
• Rainbow Animal Rescue
• Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center
• Peninsula SPCA
• Reba's Rescue
• Lil' Roar Cat Rescue
• Grandy Beagle Rescue

Each organization will be visiting different stores on different days throughout October, so check the full event calendar for exact dates and locations. There's a good chance a rescue will be at your neighborhood store this month!

While you're visiting the rescues and adoptable animals in the store, you can also drop off donations for pets in need and enter to win raffle baskets, with proceeds benefiting the Care-A-Lot Charitable Foundation. It's a simple way to make a real difference for animals waiting on their forever families.

Why Adopting Is Such a Big Deal

If you've been on the fence about adding a pet to your family, we can't recommend adoption enough. Here's why:

You're saving a life, sometimes two. Every adoption opens up space at a shelter for another animal in need. It's a ripple effect that helps far more pets than just the one going home with you.

Shelter pets are often already a great fit for your lifestyle. Many rescue animals come with some training already in place, and shelter staff and foster families get to know each pet's personality, so they can help match you with an animal that truly fits your home and routine.

The bond is something special. Ask anyone who's adopted a rescue pet and they'll likely tell you the same thing: there's a unique kind of gratitude and loyalty that comes from a pet who knows they were given a second chance.

You're supporting your local community. Every adoption directly supports the rescues and shelters doing the hard work of caring for animals until they find their people. Groups like the ones joining us this month rely on community support to keep their doors open and their mission going.

Whether you're ready to adopt, looking to foster, or just want to donate a bag of food or some toys, every bit helps. Come say hello to some adoptable pets, meet the incredible people behind these rescues, and see if your new best friend might be waiting for you.

While You're Thinking Ahead...

As the weather cools down, we are reminded that the holidays are right around the corner. It's a great time to get a jump on the busy holiday season. Boarding stays and grooming appointments fill up fast around the holidays, so if you've got travel plans coming up or just want your pet looking their best for family photos, now's the time to book. Give your local Care-A-Lot Pet Resort a call or reserve online, and cross one more thing off your holiday to-do list early.

We hope to see you and your pet (current or future) at Pumpkins & Pawprints this October!