October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and what an excellent opportunity to give back to those lovely pups. There are an estimated 3-4 million pets locked in shelters, with 3.3 million dogs entering every year, waiting for a family to bring them in and give them the love they deserve. 

Only an approximate 1.6 million shelter dogs are adopted each year. 

This National Pet Adoption Month is celebrated by American Humane since 1981. This year is your chance to be a hero and save the life of a pup that would otherwise be at risk.

A Little History of Adopt-a-Dog Month

In 1981, the American Humane Association noticed how the number of shelter dogs was increasing. To bring awareness to this, they started Adopt-a-Month Dog.

But the celebration is not only about the need for shelters and adoptions. Campaigns also included spaying and neutering to help drop the rise in sheltered pets. 

Be a Hero in This Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

The best way to celebrate this month is to adopt a dog. How can this be done? 

Your local shelter is a perfect place to start. You will find dogs of all sizes, breed, age, and personality there. You can bet there is one waiting for you to give them what they crave the most-love. 

Perhaps you are looking for a specific breed, and this one is not available at your local shelter. In this case, you can go online to find a breed-specific rescue group looking for adopting parents like you. You can be sure you will find what you are looking for.

But the very first thing you should ask yourself is if you are ready to adopt. Please remember that caring for a pup is a job that will require your care and attention. These are dogs that probably do not know that first thing about love and care. Give them all that you can, but only if it is within your possibilities. 

What if I Cannot Adopt?

October is adopt a shelter dog month, but what if you cannot adopt? Here is a list of things you can do to help:

• Hosting a fundraiser really helps! Organize one to honor the pup you already have or to celebrate your love for dogs. 
• Donate to your local shelter. Most shelters require either financial support or goods. Make a generous contribution that will help volunteers provide rescue and keep more animals off the streets. 
• Be social. This month is loaded with online activities. Search for hashtags such as #savedogs #adoptadogmonth #adoptashelterdogmonth and make a difference. You will probably find many activities you can engage in to promote and celebrate this pet adoption month. 

• Voice out for the pups. Talk about dog care to future generations. Gather your kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, and as many as you can and talk to them about the importance of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog-Month.

Here in Walkee Paws, we are all about our pups, and we want yours to have the best life they can. We donate 2% of your purchase to a charity of your choice on our website. We can all make a difference in the lives of these furry friends.