Every year, over 6 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States. Of those 6 million, approximately half are dogs — dogs that may never find a forever home. That’s because too many people are searching for young puppies and aren’t considering the beautiful dogs languishing in shelters.

However, the dogs in the shelters need just as much love as any other dog, and that’s why it’s important for everyone who can to consider adopting one of these shelter dogs. A month that reminds us all of just that is called Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. It’s observed in October and reminds us all that all dogs are special, but the ones in shelters also need our help.

The History of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is an observance that has been observed annually since 1981. It was initially founded by the American Humane Association to address the growing number of puppies and dogs entering the shelter system every year.

Even though their campaign didn’t receive a lot of attention when it first debuted, over the past four decades, it has really begun to gain popularity and is now supported by various sponsors.

Some Important Facts About Shelter Dogs

We can’t talk about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month without talking a little about these dogs in those shelters. So we did some research, gathered together some facts, and listed them below for everyone to check out. We hope the following points illustrate the importance of not only observing this month but also adopting local shelter dogs.

• There are five times more homeless dogs than there are homeless people in the U.S.
• Adopting a shelter dog is less expensive than purchasing a brand-new puppy.
• Many dogs enter shelters at a very young age.
• Although most people think shelter dogs are all mutts, shelters are also full of purebred animals.
• The average shelter dog, however, is a mix of three different breeds. That makes them unique!
• Every year, 60% of shelter dogs are euthanized.

Observing Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

It’s recommended that anyone observing this month do so by actually adopting a shelter dog. And that shouldn’t be too difficult considering that shelters all across the U.S. are packed full of adoptable dogs, and new dogs are arriving every day.

Of course, it’s understandable that not everyone has the ability or the space to adopt a shelter dog, so it’s recommended that those people donate their money, time, or pet supplies to their local shelter.

And everyone can spread the news about this month using the hashtag #AdoptAShelterDogMonth on social media. After all, the more people know about this month, the more people will adopt dogs.