Liz Abend
Staff Writer
It is surprising that an organization that saves millions of lives, reunites loved ones and shelters the homeless has received little publicity. However, PETS911.com is an organization that does not overlook the value of pets, providing resources for everything from pet adoption to PetAlert, a system that helps track lost or runaway pets.
Stacey Candella, the executive director of PETS911.com, graduated from Pepperdine in 1995 with a degree in humanities. She said she began to work on the idea of PETS911.com in 1998 after volunteering in an animal shelter in Phoenix. After working closely with animals, Candella said she realized very few resources were offered to help lost pets.
“More than five million animals per year were being put to sleep in just the United States,” Candella said. “I wanted to find a better way.
Candella began to look for ways to make a difference. Later that year, she said attended a meeting with the purpose of helping lost pets in mind.
“I met a gentleman who had a company called EARTH911.com, a one-stop portal for environmental issues,” Candella said. “We decided to use the same concept for homeless animals, a one-stop, online resource.”
Candella said that she worked for EARTH911.com for a month looking for guidance and motivation. Only a year and a half after coming up with the idea, Candella and her committee launched PETS911.com in 2000.
Since then the organization and its sponsorship has grown to provide resources for pet adoption, veterinary care, PetAlert, spay and neutering services and even pet-sitting options. PETS911.com also offers animal licensing resources, which acts as a prevention method for lost or homeless animals.
“Most of the animals that end up in shelters aren’t homeless, they’re just lost,” Candella said. “If 100 percent of animals are licensed, then 100 percent of them will go home.”
The website offers a directory of resources by zip code, giving lists of local shelters and services. Users can search potential pets by species, breed, gender and age preference, and then view what pets are available to be adopted in their area.
Directed mostly toward cat and dog lovers, PETS911.com does not forget to seek loving homes for other neglected animals, offering adoptions for everything from horses to gerbils to lizards. The website offers links to successful adoption stories, featured pets and shelters and articles giving helpful advice for pet care and relationships.
Much of the growth of PETS911.com is connected the growth in its partnerships. The organization is involved in many networks that lead to the expansion of success and publicity. A corporate partnership with Animal Planet aides in both media coverage and support while a long list of nonprofit partners provides a growing list of services.
Candella reiterates the fact that PETS911.com does not only offer services for animals, but also gives concerned people opportunities to be involved. Those interested in contributing are able to find ways to volunteer in animal shelters, give temporary pet foster care, donate money or share their knowledge by educating the public about different animal rights or new resources.
Candella said she plans to continue to operate the organization as she has, and that she will continue to promote its growth.
“My greatest goal for PETS911.com now is for it to become more widely known,” Candella said. “I want more people to know that there is a resource of a one-stop portal for all of their pet concerns, and that there is one place they can go to reach easy and accessible subsidy programs.”
In its growing success, PETS911.com works to save the more than five million pets that are euthanized in the United States every year. Candella does not take all credit for the success of the organization, however. She not only credits the help of her colleagues, but also gives her education at Pepperdine credit for much of her growth and compassion.
“My experience at Pepperdine taught me that it’s important to have compassion,” Candella said. “I attribute much of my spirituality to Pepperdine as well. My spirituality made me think that it is needless to see homeless animals dying.”
It is inspiring for students to realize that Pepperdine alumni are capable and prepared upon graduation. Candella’s motivation and success acts as a model for many aspiring students.
“I find it inspiring that Pepperdine alumni leave here motivated to share their talents and passions,” Freshman Mary Rosenberry said. “The idea of PETS911.com proves that students are able to achieve their goals after graduation, and they are goals that can actually make a difference.”
Candella said that she has found the time and effort she has invested in PETS911.com to be very fulfilling. She has even used the opportunity to expand her own family by adopting two dogs and four cats in the process, according to Candella in a previous interview.
Candella’s ambition should be an example not only to Pepperdine students, but those working to make improvements in all areas of life.
“It’s been a great opportunity,” Candella said. “It is most fulfilling for me to know that I am working to make a difference every day.”
06-27-2006