(WXIA) -- PetSmart Charities is planning a major adoption event at stores nationwide.

National Adoption Weekend will be Sept. 13-15. Thousands of dogs and cats will be available for PetSmart customers to take home.

Adoption representatives will also be on hand to answer questions about caring for a new pet.

PetSmart Charities will give $35 to grants to participating local adoption partners for every pet that finds a new home during National Adoption Weekend.

"We are proud to partner with PetSmart Charities to find lifelong loving homes for thousands of pets this National Adoption Weekend," PetSmart CEO David Lenhardt said.

Learn more and find your closest PetSmart store at petsmart.com.

Summer in the south is officially here! With rising temperatures, it is important to take steps to protect those around us who might be vulnerable to the heat, like our children and pets.

Did you know that we lose heat by sweating? Water literally evaporates into the atmosphere and sucks the heat out of our bodies. Children produce even more heat than adults. This is because they have more body surface for their height. Children are also closer to the ground – and to hot pavement. They can easily become dehydrated or overheated.

Here are some tips to keep your children and pets safe in the heat.

DECATUR, Ga. - If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half chewed shoe or overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local pet shelter. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a "companion" for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.