First annual Pittiefest offers discounted pitbull adoptions at SPCA shelters

Danville, Pa. — The Pennsylvania SPCA hopes to start a new summer tradition with its first Pittiefest — a time to clear the stigma around pitbulls and encourage adopting them as pets.

The event features a special $5 adoption fee for classic pitties from July 16 through Aug. 11.

Participating shelters are PSPCA's Philadelphia Headquarters, Danville, Lancaster, and Main Line Animal Rescue.

The event, featuring a "peace and love" theme evocative of hippie culture, will also try to debunk common misconceptions about pitties. For example, "pitbull" is not a breed, but a generic term used to describe dogs with similar traits and characteristics.

During the summer campaign, adopters are invited to visit the four sites during open hours to view and meet adoptable dogs. While pitties come in different sizes, including shorties and classic, all pitties for this promotion will have $5 adoption fees.

All normal adoption policies and procedures will be in effect during Pittiefest.

“We hope that PSPCA’s Pittiefest will become an annual summer tradition, celebrating the majestic animals that are commonly referred to as pitties. This promotion is a time to find homes for these deserving animals, and celebrate everything about them, while simultaneously busting myths,” said Gillian Kocher, Director of Public Relations at the Pennsylvania SPCA.