By Mike Finney

DOVER — Sara Smith may not be a meteorologist, but she promised there is a 100% chance it will be raining cats and dogs Saturday outside of Petco at 1574 N. Dupont Highway.

Ms. Smith, a spokesperson for the Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the nonprofit will be joining forces with North Shore Animal League America for their 24th annual Tour for Life.

The league will be bringing its mobile adoption unit — a 40-foot, customized “shelter on wheels” — for an adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dogs and cats of all ages from the Brandywine Valley agency will be onboard and available for adoption.

“This is a really cool event, and we’re so excited to be partnering with North Shore Animal League once again this year,” Ms. Smith said. “We have been participating in this event for quite a few years now, and it’s great to be able to bring more animals out.

“We have our Dover shelter, but for this event, we’ll be bringing animals from our Dover and New Castle locations into Dover at that Petco. It’s a nice big parking lot and store and part of the community to really reach a new audience for these animals and be able to, hopefully, reach new adopters. That would be amazing.”

Adoption fees for large adult dogs (40-plus pounds) and adult cats will be waived. There will also be giveaways for approved adopters, while supplies last.

“The North Shore Animal League’s mobile adoption center is a big truck, and it can hold 40-plus animals,” said Ms. Smith. “So, that’s our plan. We’ll also be waiving adoption fees ... to make it a little more accessible for the folks who come out to be able to welcome a new pet into their home without the financial burden.”

The Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the first open-admission, no-kill shelter in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Last year, it cared for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered and abused/neglected animals, while achieving a 93% live-release rate, she said.

For its part, North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, has saved more than 1.1 million pets.

The Tour for Life initiative continues Monday through March 17 at all the society’s locations.

And, while there is a 70% chance of rain Saturday, Ms. Smith said the adoption event at Petco will take place rain or shine.

“What’s great is Petco is a great partner of ours, so we’ll be able to be in the store, as well, but the vehicle that (North Shore) is bringing, you can kind of walk inside of it, as well,” she said. “It has a roof that pops up, so if you’re standing there, you’re under cover.

“We’ll also have tents, just in case, but hopefully, the rain will hold off.”