LOS ANGELES, CA – (July 12, 2022) – Animal shelters in California are full, and experts report that it tends to get worse after the 4th of July Celebrations. But a group of community leaders has teamed up with one Los Angeles-based billboard advertising executive to do something about it.
Under the direction and leadership of Brian Alexander, the principal of a Los Angeles-based media buying agency specializing in billboards called Billboard Connection, START RESCUE has launched a billboard campaign of more than 25 billboards in a new effort to encourage adoption and bring awareness to those who may not know what’s happening at their local shelters.
“I was moved and inspired by the work that START RESCUE was doing – literally saving the lives of dogs and cats that would be euthanized in shelters – by picking animals up from shelters and transporting them to qualified Rescue Partners where they are lovingly prepared for adoption. It pulled at my heartstrings,” said Alexander. “So, I volunteered to serve as liaison to get the widest possible exposure for their campaign with the fewest dollars. I reached out to multiple billboard companies in Southern California to get the best deal, and many of my colleagues and their companies stepped up to do the right thing.”
These billboards will deliver over 2 million weekly combined impressions. “The usual cost for these billboards would be over $350,000,” said Steve Spiro, President and Co-Founder of START RESCUE. “But through Brian’s excellent negotiations and the kindness of these companies to our nonprofit, our campaign will cost less than $50,000 to bring more awareness to the shelter system and the simple but heartbreaking fact that animal shelters are full and, as a result, dogs and cats are being killed. People should rescue their next pet. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the billboard companies that stepped up and provided their truly amazing help with this project, including iKahan Media, Bulletin Displays, Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar, Sun Outdoor, and Outfront Media.”
Most humane societies, animal shelters, and rescue groups urge animal caregivers to have their animals spayed or neutered to prevent the births of unwanted and accidental litters that could contribute to this crisis.
Transportation is Part of the Solution
START RESCUE only transports animals from Southern California shelters to their contracted partners in Oregon and Washington State.
The campaign of digital billboards started in late Spring and will continue running into the Summer months, with one prime billboard running for an entire year on the 405 San Diego Fwy (the busiest freeway in the U.S.) in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. In addition, the billboard advertisements can be seen in various locations within Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties, and the Bakersfield area.
Some of the prime specific locations include:
- I-405 freeway between Carson and Long Beach
- I-5 Freeway in between LA and Orange County
- I-10 freeway in Baldwin Park
- 91 freeway in Corona in the Inland Empire
- 210 freeway in Rialto in the Inland Empire
- 215 in Riverside County (between Perris and the City of Riverside)
- Hwy 99 in Bakersfield
START RESCUE is asking for your help to donate to this vital campaign and the plight of all our beloved 4-legged animals. The more donations received, the longer the campaign can be extended. Please note that START (Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team) is a CA 501c3 organization TAX ID # 45-4258426, and all donations are tax-deductible. If you have any questions, please email Steve Spiro: steve@startrescue.org.
About Billboard Connection L.A.
Billboard Connection in Los Angeles is a one-stop media buying agency specializing in billboards and select out-of-home (OOH) advertising, serving advertisers and agencies of all types and sizes across all industry sectors. Experienced and dedicated outdoor advertising specialists have access to 100% of all available billboards and OOH media. Media formats include (but are not limited to) traditional and digital (electronic) billboards, wallscapes, building wraps, transit ads, and street furniture. In addition, Billboard Connection handles everything involved in launching an effective campaign, including strategic media planning, expert ad development/graphic design (if needed), production & management of all advertising materials, installation, and proof-of-performance photos. For more information, go to www.advertiseonbillboards.com.
About START RESCUE
An estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually. Millions more are abandoned, only to suffer illness or injury before dying. Our mission is to end the suffering of innocent dogs and cats by reducing the number of unwanted births. START has funded over 9,000 Spay/Neuter surgeries, and we continue to increase this number with your support. START helps fund Spay/Neuter programs for the Riverside Shelter, helping low-income families “fix” their pets. Collectively, our goal is not only to reduce the number of animals “in” the shelter system but, more importantly, to reduce the number of animals “entering” the shelter system and prevent unnecessary killing due to lack of kennel space. We also fund Spay/Neuters for low-income families in desert communities
About Steve Spiro, Founder of START RESCUE
Steve was born and raised in London, England and now resides in Los Angeles. Before forming START (a 501(c)(3)) in May 2011 with Rene Ruston and Adam Tarshis, Steve and his wife Suzanna did individual rescues, helping as many dogs as they were able to bring home or place in foster care. “The goal of START,” says Steve, “is to help more animals in need on a higher level and to bring national awareness to our major animal issues.” Steve is a former boxer but now writes screenplays full time (well, almost “full time,” as he also devotes endless energy to START’s mission). He has several TV and Film projects in development, including an autobiographical “One Man Show” called UK UNDERDOG, which is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His wife Suzanna opened his eyes to the world of animal rescue (and veganism), and he has not looked back since! Steve is a huge Pit Bull fan, and his favorite quote is: “Stop blaming the wrong end of the leash.”
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