October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month
This important recognition was created to help millions of animals waiting in shelters for the loving, forever homes they deserve. Many Southern California animal shelters and rescue organizations are over capacity and officials are pleading for the public’s help. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3-4 million dogs enter shelters nationwide every year. You can be a hero and choose to give one of these dogs in need a safe and comfortable home. Overburdened shelters take in millions of strays, abused and lost animals every year. By adopting a shelter animal, you are making room for others. Here are some ways to help:
Adopt a dog from a local shelter: Adoption fees are a small fraction compared to the cost for a pup obtained from a breeder. When you give your money to a shelter rather than a breeder, you are helping support other animals that are being cared for by that shelter. Some of your adoption fee goes toward the shelter’s costs incurred by spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and microchipping the animals it houses. Your money helps pay for their care as well. It also contributes to the maintenance and upkeep of the shelter and to public education about the plight of these animals.
Be an advocate: Sharing your personal story of a successful shelter dog adoption is a great way to celebrate National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month. Hearing about your experience may be just the catalyst that encourages another person to make room in his or her heart and home for a dog in need of a best friend and forever home. If adoption is not for you, spread the word about animal rescue and adoption. This is the first step to making big changes. Being an advocate is a way to raise awareness and show the importance of giving shelter pets the respect and humane treatment they deserve. Being active on social media and financially supporting your favorite shelter and animal charities can really make a big difference.
- Spay or neuter your pet: Support your local animal shelter by spaying or neutering your pet
- Spread the word: Educate friends and family about the importance of adopting shelter pets.
- Become a foster parent: Give a dog love and time to experience living in a home while they wait to be adopted.
- Volunteer: Volunteer at your local shelter.
- Microchip your dog: Support your local animal shelter by microchipping your dog.
When you adopt a pet from the shelter, you can take great pride in telling people you rescued an animal. Celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month by bringing one home today! For more information on any of the dogs in this article, contact us at 949-470-3045 or visit MVAS.
