In response to rising pet abandonment rates across France, Maxi Zoo has launched a national collection campaign in partnership with animal welfare organizations Agir pour la Vie Animale (AVA) and Vétérinaires Pour Tous (VPT). The initiative, running from April 29 to June 30, 2026, invites customers to purchase a specially designed Maxi Cabas tote bag, with proceeds supporting veterinary care, shelter improvements, and emergency assistance for struggling pet owners.
The campaign comes amid growing concerns about animal abandonment, particularly as financial pressures mount for households nationwide. According to the participating organizations, many pet owners facing economic hardship feel compelled to surrender their animals due to an inability to afford basic veterinary services or pet supplies. Maxi Zoo’s effort aims to intervene before abandonment becomes the only perceived option by offering tangible support through in-store and online donations.
Each Maxi Cabas is sold for 3.95 euros, of which 1.50 euros is directly donated to AVA and VPT. This contribution model has been consistent across previous editions of the campaign, which Maxi Zoo reports has raised over one million euros for animal protection causes since its inception in 2014. In the most recent year alone, the retailer contributed more than 160,000 euros to partner charities through similar initiatives.
“No animal should be left behind. Today, some owners are forced to give up their pets simply because they lack the means to care for them. Our role is to support them and offer a solution before abandonment becomes inevitable,” said Dimitri Arsale, Maxi Zoo’s Manager of Charitable Actions, in a press release detailing the campaign’s objectives.
Elisa Gorins, Director General of AVA, emphasized the increasing strain on rescue facilities, noting that shelters are operating under severe financial constraints while managing a rising intake of abandoned animals. “We have rarely seen such financial tension. Every animal taken in presents an additional challenge,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of community-backed support systems.
For this year’s 12th edition of the campaign, Maxi Zoo formalized a latest partnership with Vétérinaires Pour Tous, an organization focused on providing accessible veterinary care to low-income pet owners. The collaboration seeks to ensure that essential medical services—such as vaccinations, sterilizations, and emergency treatments—remain available to those who might otherwise forgo them due to cost.
The Maxi Cabas will be available for purchase in all 460 Maxi Zoo stores nationwide as well as through the company’s official website. Donations are processed automatically at point of sale, with the designated amount transferred directly to the partner associations following the conclusion of the collection period on June 30, 2026.
Beyond fundraising, the campaign serves an educational purpose by raising awareness about responsible pet ownership and the resources available to owners in crisis. Both AVA and VPT highlight that early intervention—such as temporary financial aid, food assistance, or low-cost clinics—can significantly reduce surrender rates and keep pets in loving homes.
West France reported that the Maxi Zoo location in Saint-Grégoire, near Rennes, is actively participating in the drive, reflecting the nationwide scope of the effort. Local stores are expected to display informational materials and encourage customer engagement through in-store promotions and social media outreach.
As the campaign progresses, organizers will monitor donation volumes and assess impact through post-collection reports from AVA and VPT. These findings may inform future iterations of the initiative or inspire expanded year-round support programs for vulnerable pet owners.
Individuals wishing to contribute can visit any Maxi Zoo store or shop online during the campaign window. Each purchase represents a direct contribution to animal welfare efforts, helping fund critical services that prevent abandonment and promote humane treatment of companion animals.
The next official update on the campaign’s progress is expected following its conclusion on June 30, 2026, when Maxi Zoo and its partners plan to release a joint statement detailing total funds raised and outcomes achieved.
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