WATCH: A viral ‘ad’ from the Toronto Humane Society is shedding light on the issue of pet abandonment. Mark Carcasole reports.
TORONTO – The Toronto Humane Society is being praised for advertising a subscription service that allows pet owners to swap their unwanted dog for a new puppy.
A video for PuppySwap, which was posted on YouTube last week, touts itself as “the world’s first puppy subscription service.”
“The moment your puppy grows up, becomes a bother, or gets less likable, simply log back into your account and swap out your old best friend for a new one,” the video says.
“Starting at a low monthly rate with no long-term commitments.”
Viewers are made to believe the service is real until a banner pops up at the end raising awareness about pet abandonment.
“Puppy swap isn’t real. Unfortunately, pet abandonment is,” the banner reads. “Over 180,000 animals enter Canadian shelters each year. 40 per cent will never leave.”
Although the statistics are grim, the Toronto Humane Society is an exception. It says more than 90 per cent of the animals surrendered to their care go on to be adopted.
Meanwhile, the PuppySwap campaign has been well received on social media with many calling it a front-runner for ad of the year.
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