Pawareness Podcast # 42 | CrossFits that Help Animals | Reps for Rescues

In this episode of the Pawareness Podcast, we welcome Jon Swagert, Founder of Reps for Rescues. The organization aims to reduce animal euthanasia across the country by raising funds and donating to rescue shelters. They host crossfit competitions in various places for their fund-raising activities where they partner with gyms and other animal welfare organizations to help carry out their mission.

Jon recalls the time when he founded the organization. He says his passion in helping animals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with fitness programs like crossfit has inspired him to create the organization. With over 4,000 dogs being euthanized in the United States every day, he makes it a mission for his organization to help reduce these cases. His dog, Jackson, featured in the organization’s logo, continues to inspire him to acknowledge the importance of a dog’s life. Today, he and his wife are the core members of Reps for Rescues.

Aside from hosting and organizing fitness programs and raising funds through these activities, Reps for Rescues also releases educational videos for pet health awareness. He shares how Reps for Rescues has coped with the pandemic by maintaining engagement with their followers through an online competition.

Currently, Jon and his wife are raising awareness for adoptable dogs and supporting interested pet owners by helping them pay their pet bills and other resources that they need. They are also looking forward to hosting fitness programs for crossfitters, body builders, and fitness enthusiasts with the goal to support their mission in helping animals and animal shelters.

“The goal is to help any animal that we can by any means necessary. We are trying to do whatever it is that we can do to help as many animals as possible.” - Jon Swagert

Tune in to find out how you can support animal shelters and give hope to animals on death row through fitness programs and similar activities!

Visit Reps for Rescues’ official website: https://repsforrescues.org/

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repsforrescues/

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/repsforrescues

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/repsforrescues

Visit our website: www.pawareness.org

Where to find the Pawareness Podcast: www.linktr.ee/pawareness

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawareness_official

Submit for Pet of the Week: www.pawareness.org/pet-of-the-week

Episode Timeline

[00:45] Introducing Jon Swagert and Reps for Rescues

[01:40] The podcast that inspired Reps for Rescues

[02:42] The major activities of Reps for Rescues

[04:53] How the organization coped with the pandemic

[06:30] Social media gives opportunities to connect organizations

[07:45] What keeps Reps for Rescues going despite their obstacles

[09:26] Jon’s advice for people who wish to pursue their passion

[11:23] The upcoming goals of the organization

[13:28] How can people reach out to Reps for Rescues?