Provided by Prince William County
Millions of animals in shelters across the country await adoption every day. Every year, April 30 is celebrated as National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day to raise awareness or the adoptability of pets in shelters.
Roughly 6.3 million pets go through animal shelters every year in the United States, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
While purebreds can be found right alongside mixed breed in animal shelters, the mixed breeds should not be overlooked. Dogs of mixed heritage wag their tails as often and as readily as any purebred and are known to have fewer health issues.
Mixed breed cats purr as loudly as the purebreds and are just as ready to play with yarn and string.
Shelters often have other animals including Guinea pigs, birds, rabbits, mice, horses, ponies, pigs, snakes and other species in addition to puppies, kittens, dogs and cats.
Adopting a pet is perhaps the best way to celebrate the day. People who think they are ready to adopt a pet should visit the shelter and ask questions and carefully look over the selection of animals, according to petmate.com. Potential adopters should make sure their whole family is ready for a pet.
People who are not ready to adopt a pet, but want to help out, can volunteer at their local shelter, donate food or share stories and pictures of shelter pets on social media.
