Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience, and there is unfortunately no shortage of animals looking for forever homes in animal shelters and rescues. National Adopt a Dog Day, also known as National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, is a national initiative aimed at increasing awareness of adoption and placing homeless animals in loving homes. Our article tells you more about National Adopt a Dog Day and how you can get involved.
What Is National Adopt A Dog Day?
National Adopt a Dog Day is exactly what it sounds like – a day celebrated by shelters and rescue organizations throughout the United States in an attempt to raise awareness for the struggles of animals in shelters. This initiative has been around since 1981 and was established by the Humane Society; it is a call to action, reinforcing the importance of adoption and placing animals in need with loving forever homes.
There are several different ways to become involved with National Adopt a Dog Day, and this is a very rewarding day for many who are dedicated to placing animals in need with loving owners.
When Is National Adopt A Dog Day?
National Adopt a Dog Day occurs every year on April 30th. You will see your local shelters and rescue organizations raising awareness for this initiative leading up to April 30th, and you can usually browse information about National Adopt a Dog Day in your local area to see how you can help out.
Ways To Participate In National Adopt A Dog Day
In addition to adopting a dog, there are plenty of ways to participate in National Adopt a Dog Day and support the awareness efforts of this initiative. We give you some of the most popular ways to participate below.
Volunteer At A Shelter
Volunteering at a shelter on or around National Adopt a Dog Day – or longer, if you have the time – is a great way to support rescue organizations. Most rescues need volunteers to help care for animals and socialize both dogs and cats, and you can generally have a flexible schedule that allows you to interact with pets when you’re free. You can also volunteer on National Adopt a Dog Day to help shelters and rescue organizations handle increased volumes of adoptions and foot traffic.
Adopt A Dog
One of the most rewarding ways to participate in National Adopt a Dog Day is to actually adopt a dog – for instance, adopting a teacup Yorkie is a great option for those who live in smaller homes and may not have room for other types of dogs. Shelters and rescue organizations will typically lower or eliminate adoption fees on these days in an effort to find more pups loving homes, and this day might be the reason you need to finally add a dog to your family. You can meet and greet plenty of different dogs on National Adopt a Dog Day before deciding to take one home.
Donate Supplies
Donating supplies and funding to shelters and rescue organizations is an amazing way to help out, as shelters typically do not have a huge amount of funding or profit. Many shelters do not take profits, meaning that they only make enough to keep the shelter running. Donations of food, supplies, and certain medications can help make an animal’s time in a rescue more comfortable and ensure that pets are taken care of before they find a forever home.
Raise Awareness
If you are unable to donate, adopt, or volunteer, you can still participate in National Adopt a Dog Day by raising awareness about this initiative. Post online and share with your friends, especially those who are looking to adopt a dog. By drawing attention to National Adopt a Dog Day, more people may consider adoption and be aware of the struggles that shelter pets face, leading to a higher rate of adoption.
National Adopt A Dog Day: In Conclusion
There are numerous dogs in shelters across the United States who are in need of forever homes, and National Adopt a Dog Day is one of many initiatives aimed at finding homes for these pups. In addition to encouraging adoption, this national effort recruits volunteers and raises awareness about dogs in need, allowing more individuals to consider adoption as a way to add a loving canine companion to their lives.
Reach out to your local shelters and rescue organizations ahead of National Adopt a Dog Day to find out how you can help.
