How to Support Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

By Melissa Maroff

Instructions

Step 1:
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.
Step 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.
Step 3:
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.
Step 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.
Step 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).
Step 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.

Tips & Warnings

If you prefer a purebreed dog, check shelters first. Purebreeds 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 particular type of dog, Petfinder.com is a good place to check. The website lists over 100,000 dogs available for adoption throughout the country.
Many shelters offer a two-week medical warranty.
Shelters and rescues are interested in finding good homes and matching dogs with prospective owners’ lifestyles.
Only adopt a dog if you’re willing to make a commitment to his health and happiness for the remainder of his life.

Resources

More Puppy Pages

How to Support Animal Shelters

Instructions Step 1: Adopt a dog or cat from a shelter. You can visit the shelter directly or attend one of their off-site pet adoption events. Most private shelters (and even some city shelters) have off-site adoptions at parks, pet supply stores and...

Instructions Step 1: Donate money and supplies to animal organizations, shelters and rescues. There are also sanctuaries that provide a safe haven for abused or injured animals to live out their lives--for instance, Best Friends Sanctuary gives a second...

Instructions Step 1: Find out the pet policy if you rent an apartment, townhouse, condominium or reside at a retirement or assisted living property. Some may not allow pets, some will require a deposit and some may have weight and breed restrictions for...

Instructions Step 1: If you are considering getting a puppy, adopt from a shelter or rescue or purchase one from an ethical breeder that you visit in person, rather than buy from a pet shop, newspaper ad or over the Internet. Urge people you know to do...

Instructions Step 1: Make a monetary donation when possible or purchase items where a portion of the sale goes to an animal rescue group. Organizations use these funds for medical care, food, shelter and training. The ASPCA (The American Society for the...