Support Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

Visit local shelters or attend off-site adoption events to find a dog to adopt. Most private 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 older dogs.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.