When is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day occurs on April 30th.
What is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?
Free kittens! What a hopeful sign, we think. Kittens are adorable and playful, but they’re probably the most vulnerable population of rescued animals too. Most shelters don’t have the resources or knowledge to take care of them, so they get euthanized. National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day promotes pet adoption and raises support for animal shelters.
Pets give us emotional support, keep out pests, and often become members of the family. Sometimes they run away though. Without adequate enclosures and ID tags, they land at the pound with little chance of being reunited with their family. Euthanasia looms on the horizon unless another family takes them in.
And what about those free kittens? They’re likely the result of a surprise pregnancy. Owners who don’t spay and neuter their pets end up with more pets, sometimes too many. The “extras” end up at shelters and, sadly, become “excess.” That’s bad on us.
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day raises awareness about pet overpopulation. Because even without adopting, anyone can take steps to lower these numbers.
Facts about National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!
There may be 70 million stray cats in the U.S. alone.
There are five times the number of homeless animals as there are homeless humans.
Shelters take in two times the number of strays, compared to how many animals owners drop off.
The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy says that less than 2% of lost cats return to their owners, and only 15-20% of lost dogs ever come back home.
How to celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day:
Adopt an animal companion. Do some research in advance to make sure you’re prepared for a new pet. Also, make sure the dog, cat, canary, rock python—whatever pet you take in—gets along with the whole family, especially kids and other pets.
Volunteer your time and resources to an animal shelter. Shelters often list items that they need to help get animals back on their feet and into good homes.
Check the fencing on your pet enclosures, and tag your pets with identification.
What’s the hashtag for National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?
Spread the word about shelter pets with #AdoptAShelterPetDay on social media.