Login
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Humane Association (AHA) observe October as National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and Adopt-a-Dog Month®, respectively. The goal of these observations is findings dogs their “forever homes” and encouraging the public to adopt and not shop for their next canine companion.
Dogs (and pets in general) can bring joy and valuable companionship to your life, and there are hundreds of thousands of dogs available for adoption in shelters and rescues across the country.
Adoption carries multiple benefits, from helping your community to saving money, and its importance cannot be underestimated, as the Humane Society confirms that 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in the U.S.
“If you haven’t yet experienced that remarkable power of the human-animal bond, American Humane encourages you to consider adopting a dog and finding out just how life-changing it can be,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “With so many dogs in shelters all across our country available for adoption—and many of them never finding a safe, loving, forever home—adopting a dog will make you a hero, too.”
How to Celebrate
- Adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group
- Sign up as a foster parent or shelter volunteer and spread the word
- ID your pet to prevent them from getting lost
- Donate time, money or supplies to your local shelter