National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day Tuesday | Life & Arts

This passion led me to a career in veterinary medicine, currently at the Animal Protection Foundation (APF), where I came to appreciate the hard work and dedication that animal shelters put into caring for and adopting out the animals in their care.

On Tuesday we will celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. To celebrate, adoption fees for adult animals at APF will be discounted by half.

If you’ve ever adopted a shelter pet, you know this is a day worth celebrating. Adopting our three “fur babies” from the shelter has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Teddy, our spunky and lovable grey-and-white cat; Moki, our bold and protective shepherd and husky mix; And JoJo, our loving and gentle boxer mix, has brought so much love and happiness to our lives. By adopting them, we not only gave them a second chance at life, but we also opened space for other animals in need at the shelter, like Snow, a sweet 2-year-old dog who recently arrived at APF.

Snow tested positive for heartworms when she came to the shelter, but thanks to APF’s dedicated care, she is now on the road to recovery. In such cases, APF sets up foster agreements for adoption, which means the shelter will cover treatment costs until the animal is healed. For Snow, this includes keeping her calm for a few months and bringing her to APF for a few follow-up visits with our vet. This is a great opportunity to connect with a special animal without facing the significant costs one would face if a snow came from a breeder or other source that did not offer veterinary care.

If you’re thinking about adding a companion to your family, there’s no better time than National Shelter Adoption Day this Tuesday.

Here are some reasons why adopting from a shelter is a great option:

1. You are saving a life and making space for another animal to be brought to the shelter to find their forever home.
2. You reduce pet overpopulation, as all shelter animals are spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
3. You are supporting an organization that helps thousands of animals every year by providing shelter until they find their forever homes.
4. You will receive a pet that will be vet checked, fully vaccinated and cared for to address any health concerns. Many dogs have also received basic training (sit, stay, lie down, wait, come) from experienced staff (and the cats are ready to train you).

On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, consider visiting APF or another local shelter to find your new best friend. Whether it’s a healthy pet or one like Snow who is on the road to a full recovery, by adopting you not only gain a loving companion, but you also support organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in need.