Support Shelter Animals During Adopt-A-Dog Month®
Since 1981, Adopt-A-Dog Month® has spread awareness about the vast number of shelter and rescue dogs in need of adoption. Rescue dogs are often pulled out of homes with less-than-ideal living conditions, are abandoned, or stray, but are in need of love just as much as–if not more so than–any other pet. These dogs overcome extreme obstacles, making them resilient, loyal, and wonderful family pets.
Rescue Dogs by the Numbers
The ASPCA estimates that about 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year in the United States, 3.1 million of which are dogs. Of those over 3 million dogs, about 2 million are adopted, and 390,000 are euthanized. There has been a steady decline in the number of dogs who are euthanized in shelters since 2011, thanks in large part to increased adoption from shelters and kennels.
A little less than half (44%) of the American population has a dog at home, and 23% of those dog owners adopted their pup from a shelter or Humane Society. Although many mixed-breed dogs can be found in shelters across the country, 25% - 30% of dogs that come from shelters are purebred, so if you are looking for a specific breed of dog, it’s worth checking with local shelters before turning to a breeder.
How You Can Help
Here are great ways to help rescue dogs in need and support your local shelter:
- Adopt. Of course, the best thing that you can do for a rescue dog is to welcome them into your home and your family. If you are ready to take on the responsibility of a new pup, then adoption is a wonderful route to take.
- Foster. If you’re not quite ready to take on the long-term responsibility of pet ownership, being a foster parent can not only help you determine if you’re able to take the leap, but also help a dog feel safe and loved outside of the shelter environment.
- Donate. Shelters around the country are always in need of donations, whether monetary or items such as blankets, new toys, leashes, or treats for the pets in their care. A small donation can go a long way in saving the life of a shelter animal.
- Volunteer. Many shelters depend on volunteers to take dogs for walks, help with grooming, and serve as a general playmate to keep them happy and stimulated. Volunteering your time doesn’t require much more than showing up with a good attitude, and it can have a big impact on the animals’ well-being.
- Advocate for Spay & Neuter Procedures. Overpopulation is a huge burden on shelters, but it can be very easily managed by encouraging people to spay and neuter their pets.
Want to adopt the perfect pet today? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues and give a shelter pet a new lease on life.