Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is observed on October 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

📅 What day is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month 2024?

In 2024, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is on Sunday, October 1st. It is the 1st Sunday in October; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the exciting details and facts about October 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year in October, we focus our attention on the optimistic dogs who are eagerly waiting to find their forever homes during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) takes the lead in organizing and promoting this important event, while the American Humane Society initiated a month-long campaign in October back in 1981 to encourage the adoption of shelter dogs. Local shelters work diligently to ensure that every dog is carefully matched with a suitable owner and living environment, giving them the best possible opportunity for a happy and secure forever home.

📜 Adopt a Shelter Dog Month History

In the past, stray or abandoned dogs didn’t have places like shelters to go to for help. However, thanks to Mrs. Caroline Earl White, America’s first animal shelter was created. Mrs. White, along with other animal rights activists, founded the “Women’s Humane Society” in 1869 in Philadelphia. Their initial goal was to improve the treatment of carriage horses, which were often mistreated on the city streets. After achieving success in this area, they shifted their focus to smaller domestic animals, particularly stray dogs. They opened a shelter where these dogs could be reunited with their owners or find new homes. The Women’s Humane Society also started an educational program on humane treatment of animals and established a clinic for pet owners to bring their dogs and other small animals for medical care. Mrs. White’s dedication to animal rights paved the way for proper treatment of dogs long before women even had the right to vote. The first shelter they established still exists today as the “Women’s Animal Center” in Bensalem, near Philadelphia. Currently, there are around 5,000 community animal shelters in the US, with the number increasing to 10,000 including rescue groups and animal sanctuaries. This gives us hope that during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, every dog in every shelter will find a loving and permanent home.

✅ Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Facts

🔖 Better Stress Management
Numerous research studies, such as one conducted by Harvard Medical, indicate that the act of petting a dog has a positive impact on people’s well-being. This is because it triggers the production of hormones that induce a sense of calmness while reducing the levels of stress-inducing chemicals in their bodies.

🔖 Dogs Promote a Natural High
A study published in the journal “Science” found that when people lock eyes with their dogs, it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding, in humans.

🔖 Increased physical activity and socialization
Owning a dog motivates individuals who might otherwise be inclined to laziness, as they have to wake up early each morning and go for walks, and also leave the comfort of their sofas in the evening. It is preferable to take their dogs to the nearby dog park at least once a week to engage in playtime with other dogs and their owners.

👍 Why Is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Important

Adopting a shelter dog actually saves a life, making you a hero not only to the dog you save but to every person who hears your tale. Adopting a dog may really save two lives. Yours and the dog’s

Cherokee Will Rogers, an American actor, playwright, and comedian, famously stated, “No man can be punished for having a dog.” “He has a buddy as long as he has a dog.” And we know from experience that the most devoted of these pals are animals rescued from shelters, who will be eternally thankful and committed to the human who gives them a second, third, or even fourth opportunity at a permanent home.

You may spend thousands of dollars on the ideal purebred dog who may or may not like you, or you can go to your local shelter, sign up for an adoption list, and check in every few days for weeks or even months until “The One” comes at the shelter and you both know you were meant for each other. You will not only save money on adoption costs vs. purchasing a purebred dog, but you will also have a fantastic tale to share about how you and your BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever) met.

🙂 How To Observe Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

⚡ Volunteer as a doggy foster parent
If you’re a dog lover but can’t have a dog permanently, consider becoming a dog foster parent. Reach out to your local shelter during National Adopt a Dog Month to offer temporary care for dogs in need. There is a high demand for people who can provide safe and loving homes for dogs in transition before they are ready for adoption.

⚡ Share your adopted dog story
One great way to recognize National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is by sharing your own experience of successfully adopting a shelter dog. By sharing your story, you have the potential to inspire someone else to open their heart and home to a dog in need, providing them with a loving forever home and a lifelong best friend.

⚡ Rescue a senior shelter dog
We acknowledge that it’s hard to resist the pleading look of “puppy dog eyes.” However, the most loyal companions could be senior dogs who have been rescued from shelters. Choosing to adopt an older dog can lead to fewer instances of “accidents” since most of them are already trained to use the bathroom outside. Additionally, you may encounter less destructive chewing, which is a common issue with younger dogs, and save money on training classes.

📅 When is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?

View all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 Dog holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. So be sure to check back soon.