Iams Home 4 the Holidays, one of the world's largest pet adoption programs, announced today that 1,267,541 animals were adopted in just 95 days - Oct. 1, 2011 through Jan. 3, 2012! Since it began 13 years ago, Iams and founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center, along with more than 4,000 animal organizations from across the globe, have helped a total of 7,034,989 pets find forever homes.

More than 7 million pets adopted since 1999! (Photo: Business Wire)

More than 7 million pets adopted since 1999! (Photo: Business Wire)

"In just three months, we've saved the lives of more than 1.2 million animals and have given them a second chance at life and love," said Mike Arms, founder of the adoption drive and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. "Not only is this a huge victory for these pets, but for the thousands of people working in animal organizations around the world who have dedicated their lives to helping end pet homelessness."

During the campaign, Iams also met its goal to donate 5 million meals to pets in need through its annual Bags 4 Bowls* program which encouraged consumers to "paw it forward" by engaging in activities that would result in food donations to participating organizations, such as: "Like" the Iams Facebook page; download and share custom online adoption announcement and holiday cards and badges; and purchase specially-marked bags of Iams cat and dog foods.

2011 Iams Home 4 the Holidays Milestones

Following are a few key highlights:

  • Dogs win by a nose - This year, more dogs were adopted, with 651,224 finding new families, compared to 595,000 cats and 21,317 other pets (including rabbits, reptiles, horses, birds and more);
  • Millions of pets now have homes - Since 1999, a total of 7,034,989 animals have been adopted through the program;
  • Cards for a cause - More than 1,000 cards were created and shared from the Iams Facebook page, generating thousands of meals donated;

"We care deeply about the health and well-being of dogs and cats and are so proud of the successes associated with our pet adoption drive," said Maria Beatriz Rodriguez, Iams general manager. "From the millions of families and pets who have been impacted over the years, to the 10 million bowls of food we've donated through our Bags 4 Bowls program since it began last year, we're dedicated to this cause and already looking ahead to what's next."

The 2012 program will begin in October. To learn how to get involved and make a difference in the life of an orphaned pet, visit http://www.facebook.com/iams.

About Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH)
As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, IH4TH partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding forever homes for orphaned pets. Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Since it began 13 years ago, IH4TH - along with more than 4,000 pet adoption centers - has helped more than 7 million families experience the joy of pet adoption, including more than 1.2 million pet adoptions from 2011. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/iams.

About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, please visit www.animalcenter.org.

About P&G Pet Care
For more than 60 years, P&G Pet Care (NYSE:PG), the maker of Iams and Eukanuba, has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba® and Iams® Dog & Cat Foods or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Consumer Care Center at (800) 446-3075. You can also visit us on the Web at www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com.

About Procter & Gamble
P&G touches and improves the lives of about 4.4 billion people around the world with its portfolio of trusted, quality brands. The Company's leadership brands include Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, and Ambi Pur®. With operations in about 80 countries, P&G brands are available in more than 180 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50129756&lang=en

Citizen Paine
Heather Wilkins, 949-809-6766
heather.wilkins@citizenrelations.com