April 30 is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and Operation Kindness is thrilled to celebrate the holiday alongside our fellow shelters! According to Shelter Animals Count, over 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the nation in 2024.
With over 13,000 recognized shelters in the United States, the lifesaving work they provide pets and community members make this day notable. Here are some reasons that animal shelters are important and why you should consider supporting them.
Providing Community Assistance
Animal shelters are known for their adoption programs, but many offer low-cost or free programs for the community. At Operation Kindness, we host weekly pet food pantry events to provide temporary food assistance to help families in need feed their pets. We also organize vaccine and wellness clinics around Texas that help community members receive affordable and accessible veterinary care. If you need assistance, ask your local shelters about their upcoming events.
Preventing Animal Overpopulation
Helping control the animal population is a vital role animal shelters play in their communities. Spaying/neutering decreases the number of homeless pets across the nation and helps pets stay happy and healthy. Many shelters ensure that the pets that come into their care are spayed/neutered and most even offer affordable opportunities for community pets to be spayed/neutered.
In 2024, we performed over 15,000 spay/neuter surgeries and aim to increase that number with the upcoming launch of our public spay/neuter surgeries. This new program allows community pets to be spay/neutered by Operation Kindness, stay tuned for more information during our upcoming announcement. If you are searching for local resources for your pets, browse this website by entering your ZIP code.
Assisting during Disasters
Shelters are one of the first to jump in during emergencies like natural disasters. When animals are misplaced due to unfortunate events, local agencies turn to shelters to help house and care for animals. In October, we welcomed 23 dogs and cats from a storm-ravaged Louisiana, which provided relief for shelters while they recovered from the aftermath of the storm and gave pets a comfortable place to await their new families. Our ability to take in a large group of pets during these instances is thanks to our amazing adopters and fosters, which free up space for more animals to receive care.
Transforming the Lives of People and Pets
There are unique programs that shelters are involved in that make huge impacts on lives. A program we participate in is a partnership with Dogs for Better Lives called “From Shelter to Service Dog.” This program places select shelter dogs into training programs to become service dogs. Numerous shelters participate in programs like this one, allowing shelter dogs to learn new skills, creating a special bond with humans and helping people receive the assistance they need.
Support a Shelter Today
Animal shelters provide support for their communities and take care of pets while they await their new life journey. National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is a great time to visit your local shelter and adopt a new pet! Not only are you providing a home for a furry friend, but you are supporting a shelter and allowing them to welcome new pets into their care.
Those interested in meeting a new furry friend can visit our Carrollton shelter at 3201 Earhart Drive from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M. We also have dogs and cats available for adoption located across the metroplex at select PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus locations.
