October is “Adopt a Dog” Month!
American Humane established Adopt-A-Dog Month® in October 1981 as an annual event to encourage people to save lives and enhance their own lives by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group. Thirty-two years later, that message is as strong, true and important as ever, as millions of dogs in shelters await adoption every year.
“If you haven’t yet experienced that remarkable power of the human-animal bond, American Humane encourages you to consider adopting a dog and finding out just how life-changing it can be,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “With so many dogs in shelters all across our country available for adoption — and many of them never finding a safe, loving, forever home — adopting a dog will make you a hero, too.”
How to Celebrate
- Adopt from a shelter or rescue group: When you’re ready to open your heart and home to a new best friend, adopt from your local animal shelter or rescue group. Talk with shelter staff to find the perfect dog for you and your lifestyle, and remember that older dogs make excellent pets too. Here are a list of adoption links:
- Hillsborough County Animal & Pets
- Pets for adoption at our hospitals
- Adopt A Pet
- Pet Finder
- Georgeanns Homeless Hounds
- Lost Angels Animal Rescue
Lost Angels Animal Rescue on Facebook - Suncoast Animal League
- Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida
- Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue
- Rugaz Rescue
- E.A.R.S. Animal Rescue and Sanctuary
- Spay or neuter your dog: Have your dog spayed or neutered, thus preventing the possibility of unexpected, and potentially unwanted, puppies. Spayed and neutered animals have been shown to lead longer, healthier lives and have fewer of certain behavioral problems than animals who have not been spayed or neutered.
- ID your pet: By putting identification on your dog, either in the form of a tag, a microchip or both, you will reduce the possibility that your pet will become one of the presumably “homeless” dogs that end up at your local shelter. Only 15-20 percent of dogs who enter a shelter are reunited with their owners. Make sure your dog is one of the fortunate few by outfitting him with proper identification!
- Support your local shelter: Show the pets at your local shelter or rescue group that you care by donating time, money or supplies like pet food, leashes, beds and toys. Call the shelter to see what supplies or services are needed most. Even the smallest effort can make a difference. You can also donate to the VetCare Foundation. The Veterinary Care Foundation (VCF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that helps veterinary practices fund their hardship cases
- We offer complementary first exams for all pets adopted from any shelter.
Click here to make an appointment.
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