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October 1 marks the beginning of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a special time to encourage people to open their hearts and homes to furry friends in need. This month was designated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1981 as a way to raise awareness about the millions of dogs waiting to be adopted from shelters across the country. Not only does adopting a shelter dog bring joy and companionship into your life, but it also helps save a precious life and gives these animals a second chance at happiness. Let's celebrate this month by considering adoption as the best option when looking for a new furry family member.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1866</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of ASPCA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first animal welfare organization in the U.S., is founded by Henry Bergh.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1894</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First American Animal Shelter</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first animal shelter in the U.S., The Women's Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is created.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Animal Rescue League</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Animal Rescue League of Boston starts providing services and care for stray dogs and cats, contributing to the shelter dog adoption movement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Animal Welfare Act Passed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. government passes the Animal Welfare Act to oversee the treatment of animals in research and exhibitions, reinforcing animal rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adopt a Shelter Dog Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ASPCA declares October as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month to raise awareness for shelter animals and encourage adoptions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Maddie's Fund Large-Scale Adoption Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>Maddie's Fund sponsors a large-scale adoption event, "Maddie's Pet Adoption Days", allowing shelters to waive adoption fees to boost pet adoption, featuring numerous shelter dogs.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a dog adoption event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with your local animal shelter and organize a dog adoption event. This is a great way to raise awareness about shelter dogs and help them find their forever homes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time volunteering at a shelter during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. You can help with tasks such as walking dogs, cleaning cages, or playing with the animals. It's a rewarding experience for both you and the dogs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share adoption success stories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share heartwarming stories of shelter dog adoptions on your social media platforms. This can inspire others to adopt and also highlight the amazing work that shelters do in finding loving homes for these dogs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Foster a shelter dog</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider fostering a shelter dog during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. This not only helps alleviate overcrowding at shelters, but also gives you the opportunity to provide a temporary home for a dog in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Raise money for your local shelter by organizing a fundraiser. This could be a bake sale, a charity walk, or an online donation drive. All proceeds can go towards helping shelter dogs find loving homes.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Save a life and give a dog a second chance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By adopting a shelter dog, you are giving them a loving home and a chance to live out their days with love and happiness. Most shelter dogs are abandoned or surrendered by their owners, and by choosing to adopt, you are rescuing them from potential euthanasia in overcrowded shelters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Shelter dogs are often already trained and well-socialized</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Contrary to popular belief, shelter dogs can make wonderful pets. Many have already been trained or socialized by previous owners, making the transition into your home much easier. Plus, older shelter dogs may require less attention and training compared to puppies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promote pet adoption and reduce overpopulation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By adopting from a shelter instead of purchasing from a breeder or pet store, you are helping to reduce the overpopulation of animals in shelters. This also promotes the idea of giving shelter dogs a chance, rather than perpetuating the cycle of pet overproduction and abandonment.</p></div></div>
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 Adopt a Shelter Dog Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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