Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Inc. a nonprofit organization working to help Los Angeles become a no-kill city, has launched its all-new ‘food truck-inspired’ mobile pet adoption truck, dubbed the “Catty Wagon”. The inside of the Catty Wagon is equipped with six individual condos where the adoptable felines are housed, two ‘meet & greet’ rooms, and an array of fresh and fun cat products. From the outside of the vehicle, when parked, the cats and kittens are visible from windows looking out into the world.
“When residents see a giant cat-like moving vehicle with cat ears, whiskers and a tail driving down the road or at a local event, they’ll be excited to learn that there are dozens of kittens on board waiting for their forever home,” said Found Animals Executive Director, Aimee Gilbreath. “Although there’s definitely a ‘kitten season’ where we see an influx of kittens in our shelters, there is a need to educate on the importance of feline adoption year round. As part of our mission to save as many pets as we can, we’ve launched the Catty Wagon as a fun and engaging way to bring our kitties directly to consumers.”
More cats than dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year, and the launch of the Catty Wagon is a step in the right direction to educate the public on the importance of fostering, adoption, or becoming a volunteer. The Catty Wagon’s purpose is tied to the organization’s mission of “saving pets, enriching lives” and is an extension of its brick & mortar store Adopt & Shop.
“Our food truck inspired “cat on wheels” is the first of its kind and an innovative approach to mobile adoption and retail, it raises the bar on the concept of adoption vehicles and our commitment to saving pets and enriching lives,” said Dr. Gary Michelson, Founder of Found Animals.
Each adoptable pet on board the Catty Wagon will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, an important component in assuring lost pets return home and not back to the shelter. A collection of starter supplies for new adopters will also be available for purchase from the Catty Wagon itself. Because adoption fees and point-of-sale proceeds go back towards saving the lives of area pets, purchases from the Catty Wagon will also directly impact the area’s shelter animals.
“If you adopt from the Catty Wagon, not only are you saving the life of the pet adopted, but you’re also enriching your own life in so many wonderful ways; it’s a win/win.” said Gilbreath. For real-time information on the Catty Wagon location, follow Adopt & Shop on Twitter and join the conversation on social using #CattyWagon. And for a list of upcoming events or to book the Catty Wagon at your next event, please visit www.cattywagon.org.
