USPS Press Release 22445
Overview
The Pets Forever® stamps feature photographs of 20 favorite pets. These stamp subjects came from of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) in response to the public’s love of pet-related stamps. Existing photos from photographer Eric Isselée (who specializes in photos with white backgrounds) were selected and licensed to make these beautiful stamps.
The First-Day-of-Issue ceremony will take place Tuesday, August 2, at 1 p.m. PT, at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the SuperZoo National Pet Retailer Trade Show. Chief Marketing and Sales Officer and Executive Vice President Jim Cochrane will be the dedicating official.
- 20 million booklets have been printed (400 million total stamps).
- The stamps are from existing photos taken by photographer Eric Isselée.
- Derry Noyes is the designer and art director for the stamps.
About the Pets Stamps
The stamp art for Pets features 20 existing photographs of different animals taken against white backgrounds by Eric Isselée. Each photograph represents beloved animals from these groups: puppies, betta fish, iguanas, hamsters, goldfish, parrots, guinea pigs, tortoises, rabbits, kittens, corn snakes, mice, hermit crabs, chinchillas, gerbils, dogs, parakeets, horses, cats, and geckos.
Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps, inspired by her lifelong love of animals. “The goal was to capture the essence of each animal,” she said. “There’s no need for special effects. The animals speak for themselves. I love the variety of shapes, colors, textures, and facial expressions.”
More than half of U.S. homes have at least one pet, with the number growing every year. The most common pets are dogs and cats. These furry, four-legged family members have long provided love, friendship, and sometimes protection for their owners.
Though cats and dogs are the more traditional choice, pets come in all shapes and sizes. Small mammals like hamsters, gerbils, and mice are popular choices for many people, especially those with limited space that might not accommodate larger animals. Slightly larger mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas have also become much more prevalent in American homes, particularly for families with older children.
For others, bigger is better when it comes to finding the right pet. Horses are the companion animal of choice for millions of American families. These noble creatures are an important part of farm and ranch life across the country, and also are used for therapeutic purposes.
For many pet owners, the ideal domesticated animal is at home in a tank or cage. Reptiles like snakes, turtles and tortoises, iguanas, and geckos, make for fascinating pets and are an alternative for those with dander allergies. Marine life such as fish and hermit crabs come in wide varieties and striking colors, making them beautiful additions to a home. Birds, with their intellect and sociability, also are very popular pets and wonderful companions.
Pets offer their human companions unconditional love and happiness as well as physical and emotional health benefits. They are more than just animals; many people consider them members of the family. Whether you prefer the silky scales of a corn snake or the warm fluff of a guinea pig, responsible pet ownership begins with familiarizing yourself with the animal possession laws and regulations in your area and finding the right pet for your life and needs.
Pets are being issued as Forever stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.
Technical Information
On August 2, 2016, in Las Vegas, NV, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Pets stamps (Forever® priced at 47 cents) in 20 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided booklet of 20 stamps (Item 680700). For additional technical information, see the Pets Stamp Announcement.
About Past Animal-Related Stamps
Past stamps that have included pets:
- Adopt a Shelter Pet — 2010, 44 cents
- Spay and Neuter — 2002, 37 cents
- Bright Eyes — 1998, 32 cents
- American Cats — 1988, 22 cents (not pictured)
- American Dogs — 1984, 20 cents (not pictured)
- Puppy and Kitten — 1982, 13 cents
- Seeing For Me — 1979, 15 cents (not pictured)
Philatelic Products
For an updated list of philatelic products, see the Pets Stamp Announcement.
Retail Products
First-Day-of-Issue Digital Color Postmark.
Ceremony Program
Celebrate our animal companions, as well as the First-Day-of-Issue of the Pets Forever stamp, with this new official ceremony program and cover. The full-color program features the First-Day Ceremony agenda and participants on one side with a narrative about the stamp design on the reverse.
The program is tucked inside a colorful 9″ × 6″ envelope bearing an affixed Pets Forever stamp and the official First-Day-of-Issue cancellation. Also included are the words “First-Day-of-Issue Ceremony Program” and “Celebrate the Art of Stamps” along with the official United States Postal Service® logo.
Digital Color Postmark First Day Cover — Set of 20
Share the joy and love of our animal companions with this new set of 20 Pets Digital Color Postmark First-Day Covers. Each #6-¾ envelope bears one Pets Forever stamp cancelled with an official First-Day-of-Issue color postmark.
The stamps feature 20 different animals — from puppies and parrots to hamsters and hermit crabs — photographed against a white background. The color postmark features the silhouettes of six beloved animals in playful hues, all positioned around the word “Pets.” Also included are the date and location of stamp issuance: August 2, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
First-Day Covers — Set of 20
Share the joy and love of our animal companions with this new set of 20 Pets First-Day Covers. Each #6-¾ envelope bears one affixed Pets Forever stamp cancelled with an official First-Day-of-Issue black and white postmark.
The stamps feature 20 different animals — from puppies and parrots to hamsters and hermit crabs — photographed against a white background. The standard four-bar cancellation marks the date and location of stamp issuance: August 2, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
Keepsake — Booklet of 20 with Digital Color Postmark
Share the joy and love of our animal companions with this keepsake combination — a new booklet of 20 Pets Forever stamps and a randomly selected Digital Color Postmark First-Day Cover.
The stamps feature 20 different animals — from puppies and parrots to hamsters and hermit crabs — photographed against a white background. The color postmark features the silhouettes of six beloved animals in playful hues, all positioned around the word “Pets.” Also included are the date and location of stamp issuance: August 2, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
Press Sheet (with Die-cuts)
Celebrate our animal companions with this new 4.76″ x 23.29″ Press Sheet with Die-cuts, containing eight booklets of 20 Pets Forever stamps positioned two across by four down.
Pet Industry Market Size and Ownership Statistics
According to the 2015-2016 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners survey (http:⁄⁄www.americanpetproducts.org⁄press_industrytrends.asp), 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, equating to roughly 79.7 million homes with at least one animal. Here’s a breakdown:
Breakdown of pet ownership in the U.S. (millions)
- Dog 54%
- Cat 43%
- Freshwater Fish 12%
- Bird 6%
- Small Animal 5%
- Reptile 5%
- Horse 3%
- Saltwater Fish 1%
Total number of pets owned in the U.S. (millions)
- Freshwater Fish 96
- Cat 86
- Dog 78
- Bird 14
- Small Animals 12
- Saltwater Fish 10
- Reptile 9
- Horse 8
Publicity Ideas to Promote the Stamps
There are many ways to generate local media interest in the Pets Forever stamps.
Stage a Kick-Off Event
- Partner with a local shelter and host an “open house.” The Postal Service unveils the stamps and the shelter has the opportunity to showcase not only pets, but its operation as well. Give tours. Provide snacks for humans and animals (a local pet supply retailer might be interested in donating something). Have animal control officers talk about their jobs. Hand out educational material to visitors — include what to expect when you adopt a cat or dog, tips for solving some common behavior problems, etc. Invite the local radio and TV stations to broadcast live.
- Get Postal Service representatives and retail clerks to attend existing events. As an example, PetCo and PetSmart locations around the country regularly host adoption fairs onsite and the stamps could be unveiled and sold there.
- Host an Information Fair. Unveil the Pets stamps in the parking lot of a Post Office, station, or branch. Invite local veterinarians and⁄or other animal services representatives to speak. Ask shelters to bring dogs, cats, and other animals⁄reptiles⁄birds to encourage adoption. These types of events allow potential adopters to interact with the animals and sign up to adopt them on location.
Other Event Ideas
- Hold a poster or essay contest with a theme of “the best pet is…” or “responsible pet ownership” or something else creative. Hold the event at a local elementary school a week before the above-mentioned open house. Then display all posters and essays. A committee of postal employees could choose the winners.
- Sponsor an essay-writing contest with local schools (perhaps limit it to one grade such as fifth or sixth grade) on the subject of the importance of being a responsible pet owner or adopting shelter pets. Have the Postmaster, a local veterinarian, the director of the local animal shelter, and a teacher judge the contest. Award a framed sheet of stamps or a blow-up of the stamps to the winner.
- Sponsor an essay-writing and picture-drawing contest with local grade schools on “What My Pet Means to Me.” Hang some of the best essays and cutest drawings in the Post Office, local veterinarians’ offices, and local animal shelters.
- Hold a pet and owner look-alike contest.
- Hold a celebrity pet look-alike contest.
- Hold a pet costume contest.
- Have a dog wash, guinea pig race, snake slither race. hermit crab race, etc.
Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or create others. Contact your local Corporate Communications and Government Relations representatives for assistance. For contact information, see contacts.
2016 Animal-Related Observances
The list below includes related national observances that could provide additional opportunities. This information is from AVMA (https:⁄⁄www.avma.org⁄Events⁄pethealth⁄Pages⁄default.aspx) and the American Humane Association (http:⁄⁄www.americanhumane.org⁄animals⁄programs⁄special-initiatives⁄).
August
August 26 — National Dog Day
September
Responsible Dog Ownership Month
September 4 — National Wildlife Day
September 8 — National Iguana Awareness Day
October
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
National Service Dog Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
October 1–7 — National Walk Your Dog Week
October 4 — World Animal Day
October 21 — Reptile Awareness Day
October 29 — National Cat Day
November
ASPCA’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
November 6–12 — National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
December
December 2 — National Mutt Day
December 4 — World Wildlife Conservation Day
December 10 — National Day of the Horse
Pet Adoption Facts
(Source: Humane Society of the United States)
Best Place to Find a New Best Friend
Animal shelters are the best source when looking for a pet. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have kittens and puppies, even purebred animals. In fact, on average, purebreds account for about 25 to 30 percent of a shelter’s dog population. Some shelters have reptiles, rodents, birds, tortoises, and rabbits to adopt as well.
Not Just Cast-off Animals…
While providing a safe haven for animals remains a primary mission, shelters are adding programs designed to help caregivers solve problems, thus keeping animals from losing their homes in the first place. Most animals are given up because of a lack of understanding, before the animal is acquired, as to the commitment necessary to care for them. Many shelters now offer “puppy parenting” classes to help families understand the realities of companion animal care. They also offer training classes, behavioral counseling, information on pet-friendly rental properties, and even factual information on dealing with allergies.
If You Cannot Adopt — Volunteer
Local shelters generally need help. Some shelters have highly organized volunteer programs complete with time cards and performance reviews while others have a loosely knit group of individuals who show up to help whenever they can. Either way, they can use help. From the standard dog walking and cat entertaining to making the shelter an inviting place to visit by planting flowers outside or painting a room, there’s definitely a way to add value.
Adoption and Pet Care
(Source: American Humane Association)
As soon as you enter an animal shelter, the temptation to adopt will be great. That’s why it’s so important to consider whether bringing an animal into your life is right for you before any adorable faces find their way into your heart.
Far too many animals in this country are initially loved and then neglected or abandoned over time because owners decide — too late — that caring for pets is more responsibility than they actually want.
The truth is that adopting a companion animal is a big step — one that will affect your lifestyle for many years. Have you thought about how a pet will be completely dependent on you for his or her entire life? What will happen if you decide to move? And have you considered whether your lifestyle and personality would make you a better dog owner or cat owner?
With good care, most dogs can live 12 to 15 years and most cats can live 15 to 20 years, so it is critical that you consider what is likely to be happening in your own life over the next 15 to 20 years before you adopt a pet.
Screening Animals for Adoption
While you are deciding on your family’s pet criteria, shelters are screening animals for certain qualities, too. In addition to a health exam, many shelters perform a basic temperament screening to find animals that are friendly and sociable, both with people and other animals. Many larger shelters can also test dogs for arousal, possessiveness, aggression, separation anxiety, and tolerance.
Being Screened Yourself
When you finally find the perfect pet, be prepared to be screened yourself. Adoption counselors at the shelter will want to determine your commitment and ability to care for an animal. Be prepared to answer questions about your home and lifestyle as well as your expectations and concerns about pet guardianship. Here’s where all your preparation will really pay off — adoption counselors are always impressed with people who have thought about what they want in a pet before being asked.
Homeward Bound
Introducing a new pet to your home can be stressful for both you and your companion animal. This is especially true if there are children or other animals in the home. Being prepared ahead of time, however, will go a long way toward making the homecoming experience an easy one for everyone.
Make sure to have everything your pet will need — ID tag, food, bowls, leash, collar, dog den, toys — before you bring him or her home. In addition to preventing you from having to leave an already confused animal home alone the first day, the presence of these items will help assure your new pet that everything is going to be all right.
Also, be sure to have your new companion animal examined either by the shelter veterinarian before you leave or by your own veterinarian as soon as possible. You’ll want to make sure you’re off to a healthy start.
Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Pet
(Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — ASPCA)
1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your child.
Knowing why you’re preparing to bring a pet home will help you to determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.
2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his or her life — that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children, and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?
3. Do you know what kind of pet is right for you?
Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers what animals they recommend — they’re experts at making perfect matches!
4. Can you afford to care for your pet’s health and safety?
Owning a dog or cat costs more than the initial adoption fee. Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering, and proper identification — that means a collar with tags and a more permanent form of ID such as micro-chipping — can add up.
5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?
Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and pooches constantly left alone can develop behavioral problems. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors and love to be treated to energetic play sessions with their human families. If your work demands that you travel often, or if you’re out of the house most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt.
6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal’s health challenges?
Fleas, allergies, and sudden medical issues are just a few of the health-related problems that potential pet owners may face. Can you care for your pet if he or she gets sick?
7. Are you willing to train your animal companion?
Lack of training is one of the most common reasons that adopters return pets to shelters — are you willing to solve behavior problems? Basic training helps dogs and their owners communicate better, strengthening the relationship overall. And taking the time to understand why your cat does what he or she does, especially when it involves his or her litter box and scratching habits, will help you avoid potential problems.
8. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?
Whether it’s tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you’ll need to make your home safe before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants, and dangerous household items out of paw’s reach.
9. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion?
Be sure to choose an animal that will thrive in your home. If you’re attracted to energetic large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room? If you live on a noisy street, will it disturb your cat? Also consider that many landlords don’t allow pets or place restrictions on having them. Be sure to check out your “house rules” before adopting.
10. Is your family ready for a pet?
If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share pet-care duties. You may also have another pet at home who’s not yet — or may never be — ready to share his or her kingdom with another animal.
Contacts
Area Corporate Communications Managers
| Capital Metro | Tom Oulette | 301-548-1465 | thomas.r.ouellette@usps.gov |
| Eastern | Paul Smith | 215-863-5055 | paul.f.smith@usps.gov |
| Great Lakes | Ed Moore | 313-225-5452 | edward.r.moore@usps.gov |
| Pacific | David L. Walton (A) | 858-674-3149 | david.walton@usps.gov |
| Northeast | Maureen Marion | 860-285-7029 | maureen.p.marion@usps.gov |
| Southern | Polly Gibbs | 214-819-8704 | polly.j.gibbs@usps.gov |
| Western | John Friess | 303-313-5130 | john.g.friess@usps.gov |
Government Relations Representative Listing
Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. They can assist you in contacting and inviting elected officials to participate in your event — please let them know.
Alphabetical State/Representative Listing
Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-xxxx.
| State | Representative | Extension |
| Alabama | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Alaska | David Coleman | 3745 |
| American Samoa | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Arizona | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Arkansas | Mike Porter | 7217 |
| California | Cathy Pagano | 3427 |
| Colorado | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Connecticut | Darrell Donnelly | 6748 |
| Delaware | James Cari | 6029 |
| District of Columbia | Darrell Donnelly | 6748 |
| Florida | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Georgia | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Guam | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Hawaii | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Idaho | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Illinois | Ernesto Sanabria | 4387 |
| Indiana | Ernesto Sanabria | 4387 |
| Iowa | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Kansas | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Kentucky | Talaya Simpson | 4216 |
| Louisiana | Mike Porter | 7217 |
| Maine | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Maryland | Darrell Donnelly | 6748 |
| Massachusetts | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Michigan | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Minnesota | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Mississippi | Mike Porter | 7217 |
| Missouri | Talaya Simpson | 4216 |
| Montana | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Nebraska | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Nevada | David Coleman | 3745 |
| New Hampshire | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| New Jersey | Darrell Donnelly | 6748 |
| New Mexico | Cathy Pagano | 3427 |
| New York | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| North Carolina | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| North Dakota | Talaya Simpson | 4216 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Ohio | Ernesto Sanabria | 4387 |
| Oklahoma | Mike Porter | 7217 |
| Oregon | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Pennsylvania | Ernesto Sanabria | 4387 |
| Puerto Rico | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Rhode Island | Darrell Donnelly | 6748 |
| South Carolina | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| South Dakota | Talaya Simpson | 4216 |
| Tennessee | Talaya Simpson | 4216 |
| Texas | Mike Porter | 7217 |
| Utah | David Coleman | 3745 |
| Vermont | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Virgin Islands | Zahava Colicelli | 3739 |
| Virginia | Darrell Donnelly | 6748 |
| Washington | David Coleman | 3745 |
| West Virginia | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Wisconsin | Debra Blockinger | 7505 |
| Wyoming | David Coleman | 3745 |
USPS® Philatelic Archive 