Since the beginning of COVID lockdowns in March, shelters have seen skyrocketing numbers of applications from people hoping to adopt or foster a shelter dog.

Some of these people have always wanted to adopt and had just never come across the “right time.” Others had likely never considered it until the quarantine began. But regardless of the reason, shortly after lockdowns started, shelters across North America found their premises bare.

Countless people turned to animals to comfort them during these unprecedented times – which is beautiful in its own right.

It’s no secret that animals are a special gift when it comes to managing depression and other mental health issues. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a pet owner who claimed to know of something more healing than their dog’s touch. Melodie Bolin, the Marketing Director of Mars Petcare, told PEOPLE, ” Research even shows that pets make people feel less lonely and can increase the quality of life.”

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to spend their days with a grateful shelter pet. Some individuals are simply not interested in having an animal – but a lot of people simply can’t afford the adoption fees on top of the regular bills. But that’s where PEDIGREE’s stepping in.

PEDIGREE is taking the loyalty rewards program to a whole other level.

If you buy two bags of PEDIGREE dog food between now and 10/31/20, PEDIGREE will personally cover the cost of your adoption fees.

Sound too good to be true?

Perhaps – but according to Bolin, it is legitimate and very, very easy to do. You see, PEDIGREE is changing the archetypal essence of loyalty programs as we know them. Instead of waiting years to win some measly, unremarkable reward, with the PEDIGREE loyalty program, after two small purchases you are rewarded with the gift that keeps on giving – a new, loyal companion for life. In an interview with PEOPLE, Bolin explained:

“The One True Loyalty Program flips the script on your typical loyalty program and makes the unconditional love of a dog the reward of our program, while also helping to make pet adoption accessible to more people.”

Bolin said the loyalty program was inspired by the widely held notion that dogs are the most loyal companions. It also highlights the years of happiness to be had by adopting a foster pet.

How does it work?

The instructions listed on the One True Loyalty Program seem simple enough:

1. Adopt a dog from an authorized adoption center
2. Purchase two 15-pound (or larger) bags of PEDIGREE dog food
3. Scan your receipts and submit them online for a rebate up to $200.

The dog food and the adoption fee receipts must be dated between and can be submitted online here. Once confirmed, you will be able to choose to receive your rebate instantly through PayPal or to receive a check in the mail.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve always wanted to adopt a dog, now is your chance – and this time, it’s on PEDIGREE.

Watch the video below!

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Sources: PEDIGREE Loyalty Program, YouTube – PEDIGREE, PEOPLE