BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A $20,000 grant from PetSmart Charities will help Kern County Animal Services provide more medical and behavioral support to help pets become healthy, adoption-ready, and into homes, with National Adoption Week events scheduled later this month at two Bakersfield PetSmart locations.

The grant will support adoption events on Thursday, March 26, at the PetSmart on Calloway Drive and Saturday, March 28, through Sunday, March 29, at the PetSmart on Oswell Street. National Adoption Week is March 23–29, 2026.

PetSmart Charities said shelters across the country face ongoing strain as millions of pets enter U.S. shelters each year.

“Because of this funding, more pets will receive the essential care and preparation they need to find loving homes faster,” stated Nicholas Cullen, director of Kern County Animal Services. “This grant is vital for our region because it allows us to expand adoption-readiness services—everything from medical exams and vaccinations to behavioral support—so pets can transition smoothly into their new families. Thanks to previous adoption prep funding, we’ve already seen a measurable increase in placement rates and a significant reduction in shelter stays. This new support will help us deepen that impact and continue transforming outcomes for animals in our community.”

“Our animal welfare partners in local communities are determined to keep pace with the need, and deserve support,” stated Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “We’re proud to work alongside Kern County Animal Services and appreciate the critical steps they take to advocate for the animals that come through their doors in need of love, safety, care and nutrition. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, and adopting.”

Adoptable pets will be available from noon to 3 p.m. on March 26 at the PetSmart Calloway Drive location.

Additional events are scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. on March 28 and from noon to 3 p.m. on March 29 at the PetSmart Oswell Street location.

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For more information, visit kerncountyanimalservices.org or follow PetSmart Charities on Facebook.