April 30th is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day — the perfect excuse (not that we need one!) to celebrate our furry friends and the amazing shelters that care for them. While not everyone is in a place to adopt right now, the good news is there are still plenty of ways to make a difference: volunteer your time, donate supplies, consider fostering, or simply share the love on social media.
Of course, while we love a good pet-themed holiday, shelter pets deserve our support every single day. That’s where Chris Dennis and his company, GivePet, come in. GivePet is a premium dog and cat treat company with a mission that goes beyond tasty snacks — they give back to shelters and rescues across the country by donating healthy treats that help with training and socialization, making adoptions more successful.
We got the chance to chat with Chris about his passion for pets, how GivePetgot started, and what keeps him inspired to support shelters year-round.
So Chris — where did your love for pets begin?
It all started when I was five years old. My family found a Vizsla puppy that had been hit by a car. We brought him to the vet and searched for his owners, but no one came forward. We named him Lummox (he was all legs and clumsy!) and he became part of our family through my high school years.
What inspired you to start GivePet?
My sister Jackie was a lifelong rescuer. She had a farm with around 50 dogs and 50 cats — the dogs had open land to run, and the cats had their own air-conditioned barn! After college, she encouraged me to work in the pet industry, and I ended up selling premium pet food for 16 years. Eventually, I wanted to do something on my own — something that gave back to rescues like hers. That’s how GivePet was born. For every bag of treats sold, we donate enough to treat 10+ shelter dogs or cats. It’s one of the most requested items at shelters, and healthy treats really help in socializing and training pets for adoption success.
What's been the most fulfilling (and most challenging) part of running GivePet?
The most fulfilling part? Easy — the more we grow, the more we give. We've donated millions of treats, and knowing that’s helping real animals is the best feeling in the world.
The most challenging part is the day-to-day logistics: ordering ingredients, managing packaging, predicting production runs... it’s a lot to juggle. But it’s 100% worth it.
How many shelter partners does GivePet work with?
We’ve partnered with thousands of shelters and rescues, and more reach out every day. What makes us unique is that we give to rescues local to the retailers who carry our treats. That way, the impact stays close to home.
Do you have any pets of your own?
Yes! We have Freddie, a 12-year-old Foxhound, and Stevie, an 8-month-old Lab/Hound mix. They’re both a huge part of our family — full of energy, personality, and chaos (in the best way).
How has having pets impacted your life?
I’ve always had dogs, and honestly, I can’t imagine life without them. They bring our family together, keep us active, make us laugh, and give us so much joy.
Why should people consider adopting a shelter pet?
Because you’re saving a life — plain and simple. And when you adopt, you also make room for another animal to get a shot at a forever home. Plus, if you’re looking for something specific, don’t forget: nearly 30% of shelter pets are purebred!
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We’re huge fans of what Chris and GivePet are doing for shelters, and we’re proud to spotlight them this National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. If you know of a retailer (not just pet stores!) who would love GivePet treats — or a shelter that could use some love — visit their website and fill out a referral form.
And whether you’re adopting, fostering, or just spoiling your own pet today — Happy National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day! Grab some treats and celebrate your four-legged friends — they deserve it.
