Redbox to donate rental proceeds from documentary to animal welfare organizations

Via PR Newswire - Every year, 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. But groups across the country are working with their local shelters to get more people involved to help these homeless animals. Their stories are told in the inspiring film, “Shelter Me”, available at Redbox kiosks.

All proceeds from “Shelter Me” rentals from April 23 through April 29 will benefit Ellen DeGeneres' Halo Pet Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the wellbeing of pets and the people who love them. This unprecedented partnership will help raise funds to help shelter pets and educate people about rescue.

"I believe that by working together, we can find good homes for the millions of homeless and abandoned pets out there," says Ellen DeGeneres.

"We're honored to support the Halo Pet Foundation and everything they do to promote the wellbeing of pets and their owners," said Anne Saunders, president of Redbox. "We hope all pet lovers take the opportunity to watch ‘Shelter Me’ this week, and in the process, help us contribute to this important cause."

“Shelter Me” is hosted by Katherine Heigl and sponsored by talk-show host Ellen's natural pet food company Halo, Purely for Pets. The film celebrates shelter pets with positive and uplifting stories and shows how people's lives are improved when they adopt these animals.

“Shelter Me”, which is distributed by Virgil Films, focuses on how shelter pets are helping war veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. Filmmakers also go inside a women's prison, where inmates train shelter dogs to become service animals for people with disabilities. And it shows the journey of two stray dogs, from the day they are picked up on the streets and brought to a shelter until the day they become beloved family pets.

“Shelter Me”, which was produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Steven Latham, is about second chances, hope, helping others and making a difference – and about how dogs are truly man's best friend.

The Halo Pet Foundation's mission is to enhance the wellbeing of pets and the people who love them. Inspired by their love for animals, they strive to help pets and their families live longer, happier, healthier lives together. Specifically, they seek to educate people on responsible pet ownership, eliminating animal abuse and reducing the overpopulation of uncared for pets. One hundred percent of every donation to the Halo Pet Foundation is granted to animal welfare groups – all operational expenses are covered by Halo, Purely for Pets.