An astonishing 3,609 pets were placed into loving homes at the first California Pet Adoption Day hosted by California Animal Welfare Society (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) and the ASPCA on June 1. The event, which featured more than 170 animal welfare organizations from across the state, nearly doubled its initial goal of 2,024 adoptions.
The ASPCA sponsored the event, covering adoption fees at participating shelters and making the adoption process free to the public. The day’s success included 1,977 cats, 1,541 dogs, and 91 other small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, finding new families.
One of the heartwarming stories of the day was about Nellie, a 3-and-a-half-year-old mastiff mix. Nellie had been at Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) for a year and a half after arriving as a stray. Described as sweet and shy, Nellie has finally found her forever home with Sahiba Singh of San Ramon. Singh saw Nellie on social media and made the 40-minute journey to meet her. They hit it off immediately, and now Nellie, affectionately called Nellie Bean, is happily adapting to her new home.
“I’m so grateful to the number of Californians who visited their local shelters on June 1st and are thrilled that for many, this was their first time owning a shelter pet,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. “Our shelters are filled with a variety of amazing animals just waiting for people to come and meet them, and we hope that when you’re ready for a new pet, your first stop will be our shelter.”
ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker highlighted the event’s broader impact: “The success of California Pet Day highlights the huge appeal of rescue animals and the unique power of the human-animal bond. It also sends an inspiring message to shelters, pet owners and the animal welfare community that when we come together, we can make a difference for animals in need.”
California Pet Adoption Day was a much-anticipated success given the challenges facing pet owners in the state, including economic hardship, a lack of pet-friendly housing, and a lack of affordable veterinary care. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration among animal welfare organizations to address these challenges and find solutions for pets and their future owners.
The next California Pet Adoption Day is scheduled for June 2025. People interested in adopting or fostering an animal can learn more at ASPCA.org/TheRescueEffect.
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