The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is kicking off Adopt a Shelter Dog Month with the launch of its Rescue Effect campaign, supported by Subaru of America, Inc. and various public figures. This initiative encourages the public to adopt or foster pets, aiming to help more animals find permanent homes during the month of October.
Read More
The campaign, which began in August and runs through the end of October, involves hundreds of shelters and rescues across the country and seeks to engage more adopters, thereby reducing the amount of time animals spend waiting for homes. The ASPCA has allocated $2 million in grant funding this year to 200 participating shelters to help cover adoption fees and support their operational needs.
With nearly three million dogs expected to enter shelters and rescues in 2025, many facilities are currently at capacity and animals, particularly dogs, are remaining in care longer before being adopted. Despite this, a large majority of Americans recognize the benefits pets bring to their lives, including companionship and improved happiness.
Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA, stated, "Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is a perfect time to experience The Rescue Effect and the transformative power of bringing a shelter pet into your life." She highlighted that shelters are home to dogs of all sizes and personalities waiting for loving homes. She also emphasized the impact of adoption, noting that it creates resources for shelters to assist more animals in need. For those not ready to adopt, fostering remains a vital option.
The campaign has garnered support from various celebrities and social media influencers, such as Gavin Rossdale, Megan Thee Stallion, and Chris Taylor, among others, who are raising awareness about the significance of pet adoption and fostering. The initiative includes digital and social media advertisements encouraging public participation.
In celebration of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the ASPCA Adoption Center will engage with community events in New York City, including the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Additionally, as part of Subaru Loves Pets®, retailers nationwide will contribute over $3 million in funding to local animal welfare organizations and host adoption events throughout October to support animals in need.
To learn more about the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign or to find a participating shelter, visit aspca.org/therescueeffect. The public can also adopt or foster from the ASPCA’s facilities in New York City, Los Angeles, Asheville, North Carolina, or Columbus, Ohio, where many animals recovered from neglect and abuse are available. The campaign encourages participation on social media using the hashtag #TheRescueEffect.