National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week

Did you know that the first full week in November celebrates National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week, honoring animal shelters, rescue groups, and the staff and volunteers who care for homeless pets? The annual appreciation week was established in 1996 by the Humane Society of the United States to recognize daily shelter operations, pet adoption efforts, spay/neuter advocacy, and the emotional and physical labor of shelter workers. Many animal shelters are non-profit, depending on donations and grants to stay open. The primary function of an animal shelter is to find a home for stray animals, but they also help to reunite lost pets with their owners, in addition to other services some animal shelters provide, including animal health services, behavioral evaluations, training, pet-sitting, grooming, and humane education.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, pet homelessness is a huge problem. There are about 70 million stray animals in the United States. Up to 8 million of these animals end up in shelters. There are 3,500 animal shelters in the country, and it’s at these animal shelters that pets receive a second chance. According to the ASPCA, over 3 million shelter animals are adopted each year. How can you help?

Get to know your local animal shelter. Learn the types of support it needs to continue to provide services to the animals and community it serves. Adopt or foster by opening your home to a shelter pet, or sign up to foster animals awaiting permanent placement. Donate supplies or funds to your local animal shelter or rescue, such as much-needed items like pet food, blankets, toys, or make financial contributions. Volunteer a little of your time by walking dogs, socializing cats, or helping out with facility maintenance. Show your appreciation for your local shelter staff by dropping off a note or a yummy treat to say “thank you.” Do what you can to help control the pet population. Tell friends, family, and pet owners to get their pets spayed or neutered.