It's National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. The annual celebration on April 30 focuses on raising awareness for shelter animals and encouraging people to adopt if able.
There are also plenty of other ways to partake in National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, like volunteering with or donating to a local shelter. Here's what we know:
Kentucky animal shelters:Support Louisville rescue animals with 2024 Kentucky Derby fashion event.
When is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day 2024?
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day takes place on April 30 each year, according to National Day Calendar.
What is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day?
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day raises awareness for countless shelter animals in need of homes. Those able to care for a pet are encouraged to visit a local shelter and adopt.
If you can't provide a home, there are other ways to help such as volunteering and donating. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, nearly 6.3 million animals enter shelters nationwide annually. These shelters spend $2 billion each year to care for the animals, according to Annie Wright Inkwell.
Donating money to a local shelter helps to cover medical expenses, food costs, boarding and more. Volunteering one's time or fostering an animal is also a good alternative. Volunteers increase an animal's chances of getting adopted and perform a variety of services due to a high intake of animals, according to Marquette University.
Volunteer or Donate to Kentucky Shelters
The Kentucky Humane Society, a nonprofit and the state's largest pet adoption agency, often depends on the community for support. According to an annual report from the Kentucky Humane Society, over 6,000 animals were adopted out in 2022. 525 fosters helped to save over 2,500 animals, and over 300 people volunteered over 12,000 hours with the organization.
With a strict euthanasia policy and saving 96% of animals in 2023, bills can be costly. During the fiscal year, from October 2021 to September 2022, the Kentucky Humane Society spent nearly $7.5 million on pet programming and services. The organization has an operating budget of around $9 million and allocates the rest to fundraising and administrative costs.
Other Kentucky shelters include the Lexington Humane Society, KY Hopeful Paws and Louisville Metro Animal Services.
Adoptable Dogs in Kentucky
Here are just a few adoptable dogs at the Kentucky Humane Society in honor of National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. The organization has various locations and some are located in a foster home. Potential adopters can stop in at shelter locations during regular hours for meet-and-greets and apply online here for those in a foster home.
Leland
Leland is a 2-year-old retriever and great Pyrenees mix described as "happy-go-lucky" by staff with a love for leisurely strolls and showing off commands. He is dog-social and would thrive in a home without cats, small animals and small children. Leland was brought to the shelter on Oct. 19. He's currently in a foster home and potential adopters can apply online. His adoption fee has been waived.
Lenny
Lenny is a 2-year-old Weimaraner mix available for adoption at the 241 Steedly Drive location in Louisville. His adoption fee has been waived and he was brought to the shelter on Feb. 7. He is dog-social and loves long naps and learning new tricks. Staff describes him as goofy, loyal and eager to learn. Lenny would do best in a home without cats, small children and small animals.
Deebo
Deebo is a 7-year-old beagle and lab mix who loves exploring outside and showing off for treats. Brought to the shelter on March 3, staff describes him as laid back and ready to match your energy. His adoption fee has been waived and while dog-social, he would do best in a home without cats or small children. He is currently in a foster home. Apply online if interested.
Sid
Sid is a 2-year-old pit bull and terrier mix with a waived adoption fee at the 241 Steedly Drive location. He is dog-social and described as affectionate, attentive and floppy. He was brought to the shelter on Feb. 13 and loves playing with other dogs and games that involve chasing and interacting with his human.
Kipper
Kipper is a 1.5-year-old husky mix who loves running outside, making new friends and sniff walks. He is dog-social and would do best in a home without cats or other small animals. Staff describes him as lively and friendly with a zest for life. He was brought to the shelter on Feb. 17 and has a waived adoption fee. He is at the 241 Steedly Drive shelter location.
Georgia
Georgia is a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix with a love for hiking, playing fetch and zooming around. Staff describe her as a fetch-aholic with a happy-go-lucky personality. She was brought to the shelter on Feb. 1 and would do best as the only pet in a home. Her adoption fee has been waived, and she's at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Layla
Layla is a 10.5-year-old Labrador retriever mix looking to spend her retirement years with a nice, caring family. She enjoys walks, being outdoors and a comfy bed. She was brought to the shelter on Nov. 4 and would do best in a home without children or dogs. Adoption to a home with a male dog after a meet-and-greet is possible. Her adoption fee has been waived and she's at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Layla Bug
Layla Bug is a 5-year-old mastiff mix who enjoys walks and cuddling. She is described as a sweetheart looking for a human to help her on her weight loss journey. She was brought to the shelter on Feb. 10 and would do best in a home without children or dogs. Adoption to a home with a male dog after a meet-and-greet is possible. Her adoption fee is waived and she's currently in a foster home. If interested, apply online.
Jackie Boy
Jackie Boy is a 1-year-old Australian cattle dog and terrier mix brought to the shelter on Feb. 13. He is described as snuggly, energetic and fun with a love for hiking, belly rubs and testing his speed. He is dog social but meet-and-greets are required. His adoption fee has been waived and he's at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Blaid
Blaid is a 5-month-old shepherd mix who enjoys sniff walks, running around in the yard and licking mats. Staff describes him as sweet, sensitive and loving. He is dog social and meet-and-greets are encouraged. His adoption fee is $200 and he's at the 241 Steedly Drive shelter. He's been at the shelter since March 7.
Coco
Coco is a 1.5-year-old staffordshire terrier mix who enjoys hikes, car rides and fetch. He is described as sweet, a great leash walker and quiet. Meet-and-greets are required for dogs and children. He was brought to the shelter on April 5 and his adoption fee has been waived. He's at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Adoptable Cats in Kentucky
Here are some of the adoptable cats at the Kentucky Humane Society:
Sally
Sally is a 7-year-old domestic shorthair who enjoys napping, cuddling and eating. Staff describes her as plump, loving and vocal. She would be best as the only pet with a human to help her lose a few pounds. She was brought to the shelter on April 6 and has an adoption fee of $30 at the 1000 Lyndon Lane shelter location in Louisville.
Junie Austin
Junie Austin stays true to her name by expressing "Pride & Prejudice" and "Sense & Sensibility" and enjoys playing and headbutting. She is a 2-year-old torbie domestic shorthair who prefers to be the only cat in the home. Smaller and calmer dogs are okay. She was brought to the shelter on Jan. 18 and has a waived adoption fee at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location.
Kayla
Kayla is a 6-year-old calico domestic shorthair who enjoys feather toys and running up against people's legs. She would do well in a home with other cats but slow introductions are necessary. She also needs a person to assist with her medical needs, as she has chronic herpes. She was brought to the shelter on March 12 and has an adoption fee of $75 at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Janie
Janie is a 3-year-old tabby domestic shorthair who enjoys feather wands, chasing, pouncing and hide-and-seek. She prefers a home with older children and someone who can attend to her medical needs with a diagnosis of chronic herpes. She was brought to the shelter on Dec. 7 and has a waived adoption fee at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Gracie
Gracie is a 9-year-old domestic shorthair who enjoys lounging, chin scratches and cat-friendly heating pads. Staff describes her as a lazy and loving girl who prefers to be the only pet in a home. She would also do best without children and with a human who can help her lose weight. She was brought to the shelter on Feb. 17 and has an adoption fee of $30 at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Hamilton and Burr
Hamilton and Burr are a bonded pair of domestic shorthair tabbies available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location. The two males are 6 years old and enjoy lap snuggles and playtime. They are an independent and balanced duo looking for a home without children. Both have lived with dogs. They were brought to the shelter on Feb. 29 and the adoption fee for the two has been waived.
Archimedes
Archimedes is a 5-year-old tabby domestic shorthair described as sweet, friendly and a purring machine. He loves quiet time, being playful and getting spoiled. He was brought to the shelter on March 6 and prefers to be the only animal in the home. His adoption fee is $75 and he's at the 241 Steedly Drive location.
Googles
Googles is a 13-year-old domestic shorthair looking for a peaceful place for his retirement days. He was brought to the shelter on March 11 and is available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location for $30. He's described as dependable and affectionate and loves bird-watching and sunbathing.
Tatum
Tatum is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair described as vocal and affectionate. He is a leg and tail amputation survivor who likes quiet time and patience from his people. He would do best in a home with no dogs or children and can live with other cats but tends to be independent. He is available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location. The adoption fee is $75 and he was brought to the shelter on March 10.
Sue Dillon
Sue Dillon is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair brought to the shelter on March 30. She is described as sweet, confident and self-aware, and loves head pats and slow introductions. She is at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location and has an adoption fee of $75. Staff says she would do well in any home.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a 7-year-old tabby domestic shorthair available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location. He loves head scratches and being close to his people, but is still gaining confidence. He is FIV+ and needs a home attentive to his medical needs. Peppermint was brought to the shelter on April 8 and has a $5 adoption fee.
