When: October
What: Getting a dog is a big decision. Before getting a new puppy, factors such as size, energy level and cost should be considered. Too often, these considerations are overlooked, and owners end up in over their heads. Unfortunately, many of these dogs are given up to animal shelters that don’t have the space and resources to care for all the animals that don’t have homes. In October, celebrate shelter animals and help them find families during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
Background: Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is sponsored each year by the American Humane Association (AHA). The AHA was founded in 1877 with the mission to create a humane and comfortable environment for farm animals, dogs, cats, and other domesticated pets. Through recruitment and adoption events, the AHA encourages pet adoption throughout the United States. In October, they put the national spotlight on man’s best friend, the dog.
Story Pitch: A wide variety of businesses and organizations can help to support Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Pet stores and pet product providers can host in-house dog adoption events and provide education on pet adoption procedures. They can also support dog adoption by giving potential adopters statistics on dog adoption and how many dogs are surrendered to shelters each year. Pet food companies can promote food brands while also providing new adopters with literature on proper care for the new family member. Humane societies can use the month to educate adopters on the dangers of puppy mills and how adopting a dog from a shelter promotes better animal welfare. Animal advocacy organizations can also promote the month by acknowledging the importance of dog adoption, as opposed to purchasing a dog from a breeder or pet store.
Story Hook: According to the ASPCA, approximately five out of every 10 dogs in animal shelters throughout the U.S. are euthanized due to lack of space and lack of potential adopters. People purchase puppies from pet stores and over the Internet without any knowledge of where they came from or who was raising them. Many puppy purchasers are unaware that puppies sold in pet stores and over the Internet may come from puppy mills, and can have serious genetic illnesses or behavioral problems due to poor early socialization. What states have a high incidence of puppy mills? What is the policy on adoption in your state? Consider the following as you make your pitch:
- What are the benefits of dog adoption?
- How can you transition a dog from a shelter into the home?
- What tools are out there to help choose the proper dog?
- How can someone help advocate for dog adoption?
- How can a new owner find a good dog trainer or enroll in a training class?
Tips: Provide contact information for a humane society that can provide extensive information on dog adoption. In addition, someone who has adopted a shelter dog can talk about the benefits of adoption as well as the positive experiences they have had.
Resources:
ASPCA
(212) 876-7700
press(at)aspca.org
www.aspca.org
American Humane Association
(800) 227-4645
info(at)americanhumane.org
www.americanhumane.org
American Veterinary Medical Association
(800) 248-2862
www.avma.org
Petfinder.com
pets(at)petfinder.com
www.petfinder.com
–Researched, compiled & written by Kimberly Cooper
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