National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day History

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day encourages the adoption of homeless animals from shelters across the country. This significant observance aims to save the lives of animals in need and raise awareness about pet adoption opportunities and responsible pet ownership. By adopting a shelter pet, not only do individuals provide a loving home to a deserving animal, but they also help to alleviate overcrowding in shelters and reduce the number of animals euthanized each year due to limited space or institutional policies.

Although National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day originated in the United States, Canadians have embraced the cause as their own, demonstrating their dedication to the welfare of homeless pets in need. Over the years, numerous animal advocacy groups, humane societies, and animal shelters across Canada have participated in the event, raising awareness about the vital roles these organizations play in shelter pet adoption and community-based animal protection. Canadian pet adoption events have successfully placed many shelter animals in loving homes, contributing to the overarching objective of supporting these vulnerable creatures in their search for a forever family.

In Canada, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is typically celebrated on April 30th. This day serves as a reminder to all Canadians that shelter pets are in need of permanent, loving, and attentive homes every single day of the year. By choosing to adopt, prospective pet owners create the opportunity for a better life for these animals and help to promote a more caring, compassionate, and responsible society.

Top facts about National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

• A survey at the start of 2022 by Pet Valu revealed that close to 3 million pets were newly adopted during the pandemic in 2021.
• In 2023, there were 125 humane societies and SPCA’s across Canada, which were supported by 26,000 volunteers.
  As of 2022, there are 174 humane societies and SPCA shelters across Canada's provinces and territories.
• Older animals face a harder time being adopted, often because potential adopters are looking for younger animals.
• A significant number of shelter pets are lost pets that weren't properly identified by their owners.
• Animal shelters in Canada don’t just house dogs and cats. They also rescue and look after a variety of other animals, like birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and farm animals, all waiting for a new home.
• Most popular breeds adopted from shelters in Canada are mixed breeds. It's said they often make the best pets because they may have less health problems associated with purebreds.

In the News and Trending for National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

Top things to do for National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

• If you have the time and resources, adopt a pet and provide them a home.
• Donate to local animal shelters.
• Watch a movie where people adopt pets. Here are our suggestions:
  Dog Days (2018)
  The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
  Hotel for Dogs (2009)
• Watch an episode of Rescue Dog to Super Dog. It's a heartwarming TV Series about shelter dogs who are trained to become therapy dogs for those in need.