How to Support Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

When most of us think of October, we think of witches, goblins, ghosts and the first signs of fall. A lesser-known fact about October is that it also happens to be Adopt-A-Shelter Dog month. The ASPCA started this to promote adoption and raise awareness of the millions of dogs living in shelters throughout the United States. Whether you’re able to adopt a dog or not—the following are ways to support shelters during October and throughout the year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit local shelters or attend off-site adoption events to find a dog to adopt. Many private rescues and shelters and even some city shelters sponsor adoptions at parks, pet supply stores and other locations for convenience and to make it easier on those who find it too heartbreaking to visit a shelter. During the month of October, many shelters offer discounts or waive fees on adoptions, and some offer a larger discount on senior dogs.

2. Attend shelter fundraising events, including pet fairs, many of which are held in October. Even if you can’t adopt a dog or already have your quota, you can still attend a pet fair and patronize pet-related vendors, enter raffles, contests and participate in various other activities. You can also bring your dog along.

3. Donate supplies, money and/or your time to a local animal shelter or rescue. There are various ways you can volunteer including walking dogs, cleaning cages and doing office work.

4. Attend a shelter dog photo exhibit at a local library, museum or art gallery. Various venues sponsor these exhibits during October in honor of Adopt-A-Shelter Dog month.

5. Enter your dog’s photo in the ASPCA’s annual Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month photo contest and let other pooch parents know about it as well. The deadline is October 31. There are various prizes, including having your baby’s face adorn the ASPCA website (See Resources below).

6. Tell everyone you know that October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month and ask them what they’re waiting for. The dog of their dreams is waiting to be rescued.

7. Did you think the ASPCA would help Spot and not Kitty? Follow the same steps for Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month in June. Let's put a dent in the number of dogs and cats in shelters.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you prefer a purebred dog, check shelters first. Purebreds average about 25 to 30 percent of the shelter population. There are also breed-specific rescues that get many of their dogs from shelters.
• If you are looking for a dog to adopt, Petfinder.com and Adopt a Pet.com are great places to check. These websites list dogs available for adoption from thousands of shelters and rescue organizations throughout North America! You just put in your zip code and can search by breed, age, size and gender if you like.
• Many shelters and rescues offer a discount to seniors, as well as discounted adoption fees for senior dogs.
• Many shelters offer a two-week medical warranty.
• Private rescues and shelters work very hard to place dogs in the right homes and match them with their owners’ lifestyles.
• Only adopt a dog if you’re willing to make a commitment to the dog's health and happiness for the remainder of his life.
• Behavior trouble is the number one reason people turn their dogs into shelters. Get your dog some proper obedience training and the problems will be solved. Shelters offer low-cost training classes if money is an issue and there are also budget-friendly courses and free training information on the Internet.

Resources

• ASPCA
• Petfinder.com
• Adopt a Pet.com

[askerika]

on 10/5/2008 Great article! Shelter dogs are the best!

[EDMUNDO]

on 10/4/2008 FYI: These national retailers agreed to rebate back up to 15% of each purchase!Shop online for anything, from top retailers, at www.Purchaseforpets.com and you'll save money, time, and help the dogs and cats in area animal shelters!

[SetApart]

on 10/4/2008 Great suggestions!

[Bullish35]

on 10/4/2008 Excellent article. Great, practical tips.

[Bullish35]

on 10/4/2008 Excellent article. Great, practical tips.