The month of October is known for pumpkin-flavored things, apple picking, fall foliage, and haunted houses. However, October has taken on a whole new meaning for shelter pets. It’s the month when all the dogs waiting for their forever homes wag their tails at passing families, hoping to find their adopters.
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month was founded in 1981 by the American Humane Society as a rescue program and it extends throughout the full month of October every year. So, whether you’ve adopted a dog, want to adopt a dog, or just want to spread the word, prepare to honor shelter pets!
How to Participate in Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Use Social Media and Promote Shelter Dogs
Post pictures of adoptable dogs from a nearby shelter. Your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or website can be utilized to educate the public about the necessity of adopting shelter pets, as well as to increase the reach of local adoption and fundraising activities. The following are a few ideas you can try to promote shelters dogs:
- Video Content –
Grab your phones and start filming if you want to create engaging video content for social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Ask fosters to share videos of their adopted shelter dog inside the house or on a walk, or consider recording pups trying out new treats or toys for the first time. Have fun and get creative! - Using Instagram –
By using Instagram Stories to promote shelter dogs, future events, and other updates from your shelter or rescue, you can keep your audience interested. Adding various stickers and pet-friendly filters to your stories will elevate them even more. - Take up Hashtags –
To expand your audience on Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms use trending hashtags like #DogsOfInstagram, #DogAdoption, #ShelterDog, #OctoberDogMonth, #FosterDog, and #DogOfTheDay. - Keep compelling captions –
You’ll need compelling adoption captions to go with the photographs or videos of shelter dogs. Initially drawn in by a photo/video, prospective adopters will then want to learn more about the dog. When feasible, avoid using technical phrases or animal welfare jargon in the bios; keep the wording straightforward and conversational.
More Pet Lovers Should Be Educated About the Shelter Dog Adoption Month
Promoting shelter dogs through adoption events is an excellent way to promote dogs and educate pet parents and other prospective adopters. To make it easier for you, here we’ve compiled a few steps that can help you organize a successful event. Check them now!
- Select the appropriate venue and time for the event.
- Create a memorable theme for your event.
- Find volunteers to assist before, during, and following the event.
- Raise money through funding to pay for the event’s expenses.
- Make the occasion known through advertising, social media and other public platforms.
- At the event, highlight the dogs as unique beings.
Encourage the use of dog ID microchips.
Approximately 620,000 strays who enter shelters are returned to their owners. Encourage as many pet parents as possible to have their pets’ microchips installed.
Amazing Facts About Dog Adoption
1.Homeless animals outnumber homeless people.
Vagrancy affects dogs just as much as it does humans. In fact, according to data from some volunteer websites, there are five homeless animals for every homeless human on the street.
2.It is less expensive to adopt from a shelter.
Going to a shelter to select your new pet makes more financial sense than working with a breeder or pet shop. While the average shelter will not charge more than $300 for an adoption fee, certain dogs from breeders can cost as much as a modest vehicle.
3.Shelter dogs are totally normal!
Though some dogs surrendered to the shelter might have behavioral issues, the bulk of them are relinquished due to situations beyond their control or small errors that can be readily rectified (like peeing in the house).
4.The majority of canines entering shelters are still young.
One widespread misunderstanding that discourages people from adopting shelter animals is that they are all on their final legs. Many studies, however, suggest that the average age of a shelter dog is under two years old, demonstrating that dogs of all ages are eligible for adoption.
5.Mutts aren’t the only kind of canines found at shelters.
People believe that the only method to find a purebred dog is through a breeder, but this is not the case. On the contrary, a startling 25% of all dogs at animal shelters are purebred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adopting a Shelter Dog Month
How long does it take to complete a pet adoption application?
Adopting a dog from a shelter takes around an hour or two. The procedure is neither difficult nor time-consuming, and you can take home a new furry friend on the same day you visit a Shelter.
What is the distinction between a shelter and a rescue organization?
There are two key distinctions between shelters and rescue organizations. Local governments typically run and fund shelters. On the other hand rescue organizations depend on donations as their primary source of funding and the majority of their employees are volunteers.
Is it free to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees can range from free to several hundred dollars depending on the organization and the type of pet. Adoption fees help to cover the costs of the animal’s medical care, as well as feeding and transportation.
Is it preferable to adopt a pet from a shelter?
Adopting from a shelter helps to break the cycle of pet overpopulation. Every year, 8 to 12 million dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are slaughtered due to a lack of available homes.
What can prevent you from adopting a dog from a shelter?
That could be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of funds, insufficient time, or simply bad individuals. Pet owners may adopt a dog with the expectation of a different ending, and subsequently, those pets are returned, abandoned, or given away.
Why We Enjoy Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month
The people who celebrate this month in the sake of animals are at the top of our list of favorite folks when it comes to animal shelters and rescue programs. They work tirelessly to care for these cherished dogs and find them loving homes. They even assist in the reunification of lost cats and dogs with their caring parents. We are grateful for everything that they do to help pets get adopted into loving, happy homes.
The month of October is designated as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. So, if you’ve been wanting to adopt a dog for a long time, now is the time! Bring a four-legged angel into your life to participate in this celebration