National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

Joan Agie
Dec 22, 2023 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Feb 07, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is celebrated on April 30 every year. Learn more about this day here!

Where is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day celebrated?

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is celebrated in the United States of America.

Who is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day celebrated by?

This day is celebrated by shelter volunteers, animal shelters, and people who love pets. A lot of schools also celebrate this day to teach their children about the importance of adoption.

When did National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day first start?

According to history, the American Humane Society started a concept called 'Adopt a Dog Month' in 1981. Over time, people realized that all pets deserved such a day, and hence the National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was decided to be celebrated on April 30 of every year.

Who started National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day?

The American Humane Society started the idea of creating a national day for adopting a shelter pet.

History And Timeline

This day is to raise awareness about shelter animals that are in need of a home. If you have been wanting to bring home a new pet, this is a good time to rescue and save a cat, a dog, or any pet of your choice. Here is a timeline of how this day became popular.

Adopt A Dog Month

The American Humane Society decides to make October the month of adopting a shelter dog. This soon paved the way for Adopt a Shelter Pet Day.

1981

Number Of Adoptions Increased

As people started visiting animal shelters and learning more about them, they started to understand the importance of this day. The number of adoptions of shelter cats, dogs, and other pet animals increased. Thankfully, many pets find a forever home after this.

2011

A National Holiday Requested.

People went so far as to appeal to Congress to make this day a national holiday. They felt that this would help more people learn about shelter adoption processes and raise awareness.

2013

Start Of Extensive Celebrations

It was in 2014 that people started celebrating this day with vigor. Some animal rescue teams have also started inviting people over and decorating their space.

2014

Increase In Popularity

Post 2015, people have taken it up personally to popularize this day. Friends and family members talk to one another about animal shelter homes and even visit a few. Pet owners who have adopted pets started getting together to celebrate the day.

2015-to date

Traditions And Customs

Most of the shelters have some kind of celebration to celebrate this day. They arrange activities so families can come in and explore the surroundings and consider the possibility of finding a new pet there.

This is also a time when the shelter system stays open for a longer time and contacts the neighborhood, talking about a possible adoption.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

If you love pets, then the best way to celebrate this day is to visit one of the shelters near you and bring home a cat, dog, or any pet of your choice.

If you are not in a place to permanently adopt, you can also take up volunteering activities in these shelters. You can take them out and give them some exercise, help with bathing and grooming them, or just play with them for a while. All these things make these little ones feel better.

You can also temporarily foster rescue animals until they find their owners or are sent to these places.

You can go around the neighborhood and raise awareness about shelters and the cats, dogs, and other pets that live there. Every living thing matters and this day is perfect to talk about how people can save animals.

If there are shelters nearby, go there and gift the pets with toys, blankets, food, or anything else that may be useful in taking care of them.

Facts And Stats

  • About 3.3 million dogs have to be sheltered every year all through the country. Adopt A Shelter Pet Day helps many of these lovely animals find a permanent home.
  • In a year, about 1.5 million dogs, cats, and other animals end up getting euthanized. Cats end up getting euthanized more often than dogs. Awareness of this day could change the lives of many innocent animals.
  • About 700,000 animals that end up in shelters reach their owners successfully every year. This day celebrates the bond between these shelter dogs and their new owners.

When did National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day start?

This national day started as an extension of the 'Adopt a dog month' created by the American Humane Society.

What day is Clear The Shelter in 2021?

Clear The Shelter Day was celebrated between August 19 and September 23, 2021.

Why is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day so important?

A shelter system is a great way to give new life to animals like dogs and cats. When people want to get a new pet, this can educate them that there are a lot of animals in need of a permanent house. Adopting a pet is the best thing that can happen to a family. 

How can I celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?

You can celebrate the day by offering food, grooming kits, or bedding to the dogs and cats in these shelters. You can also give them a second life by adopting them.

You can also pay for a veterinarian to come to these places and help an animal in distress. You can spread the word on your social media handles or host a campaign to promote this good cause.

Do all countries have shelters?

Yes, most countries have such shelters that offer food and lodging to an animal, bird, or reptile in need. The United States, however, has a large number of such places. You can make a donation or collect funds to help these establishments.

How can I persuade other people to adopt shelter animals on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?

You can talk about adopting an animal with friends and family who are interested in getting a pet. Mention the advantages of adopting a dog instead of buying one. Educate them about the pain that dogs go through in puppy mills.

All these things will help convert them into adopters. Make sure to not force anyone into doing a good deed and don't give these animals as gifts. Unless one is really keen on giving these animals a good life, they should not take control.

When Is This Day Celebrated

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Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

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