APP NEWS RELEASE
Blockbuster" Neuter/Spay Stamps Sell Out
American Partnership for Pets requests a rare Postal Service reprint!
Reston, Virginia
November 2003
The US Postal Service's Neuter/Spay stamps have achieved "blockbuster" status and sold out. This is a notable accomplishment given the extraordinary 250 Million print run, according to Sara Khurody-Downs, representing the American Partnership for Pets (APP) The average issue for a social awareness stamp is 150 million.
These stamps united thirty diverse and leading organizations. The new Partnership spoke with one voice on the need for a societal approach to the tragedy of homeless pets, said Khurody-Downs. This collaborative approach, coupled with great public support for the message, resulted in increased awareness and a blockbuster stamp! (see americanpartnershipforpets.org)
"Samantha the kitten and Kirby the puppy, the former shelter residents featured on the stamps, are the face of millions of homeless pets in America. The young animals help to raise awareness of the benefits of spaying or neutering before first heat and accidental pregnancy," says Khurody-Downs, president of Prevent a Litter Coalition, Inc. and an artist whose family includes three former homeless pets. Neutering and spaying is part of responsible pet care. It benefits pets' health, may help to address behavioral issues, and reduces the numbers of unwanted litters born.
The Partnership worked closely alongside the Postal Service and effectively used the stamps as a tangible tool to educate the public about the benefits of spaying and neutering.
To find veterinarians and spay-neuter programs in your neighborhood, visit www.pets911.com or call 1(888) PETS-911. "This call for action was printed on the stamps selvage and drove an estimated 4 million Americans to their community resources," said Khurody-Downs.
"Since fans of the stamps learned they were sold out, APP has been bombarded by reprint inquiries," said Khurody-Downs. "The Postal Service rarely reprints commemorative stamps, but APP hopes that given our collaborative efforts and continued public demand, the Postal Service will make Neuter/Spay the rare exception!"
If reprinted in sufficient quantity and sold out again, Neuter/Spay could be headed for a record as the best selling commemorative stamp in modern day USPS history. Currently Elvis holds the record of most commemorative stamps printed at 517 million! APP is up for the challenge. Move over Hound Dog, here comes Neuter-Spay and the American Partnership for Pets!
"Each year animal control organizations, humane societies, shelters, and rescue groups take in millions of animals, many of which would make wonderful companions. Millions more stray and feral animals wander in our communities," said Khurody-Downs.
Tragically, many do not find new homes and are euthanized. Communities spend millions of dollars on animal care and control, and a huge emotional burden is placed on those who handle related issues on our nation's behalf. For more information and to assist the Partnership's efforts visit americanpartnershipforpets.org
Note to Editors: Sara Khurody-Downs and APP partners are available for interview, and stamp images are also available. Contact Ms. Downs at or call 703-818-8009, ext 8
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The American Partnership for Pets is an unprecedented team of leading veterinary, humane, animal control and fancier organizations, plus a growing number of community partners that have set differences aside and united to speak with one voice on behalf of our nation's homeless animals.
American Partnership for Pets' growing number of leading and influential members include: Actors and Others for Animals, Alley Cat Allies, American Humane, American Veterinary Medical Association, Animal News Center, Association of Professional Humane Educators, Best Friends Animal Society, Cat Fanciers' Association, Doing Things for Animals, The Doris Day Animal Foundation, FIREPAW, The Humane Association of Georgia, The Humane Society of the United States, In Defense of Animals, The Latham Foundation, The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Animal Control Association, National Humane Education Society, Noah's Wish, North Shore Animal League America, Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, PetSavers Foundation, PETsMART Charities, Prevent a Litter Coalition (PaLC), Inc., Snyder Foundation for Animals, State Humane Association of California, Texas Federation of Humane Societies, Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, Tufts Animal Expo, United Animal Nations, Virginia Federation of Humane Societies.
These organizations are committed to setting a standard for a collaborative approach to a societal issue.
Find Pets 911 at www.pets911.com or by calling toll free (English/Spanish) 1-800-PETS-911