Animal welfare groups launch initiative to help dogs and cats find forever homes

Recently, animal welfare advocates, shelters, and rescues launched Share the Care, a campaign spotlighting the powerful affect people can have on homeless animals in their community through even the smallest acts of kindness. These can include adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing adoptable animals on social media to provide them the opportunity to find forever homes.

Rocky, the beautiful blue-eyed Maine Coon-mix in need of a loving family (Photo courtesy of Valley Humane Society).

According to an organizational release,¹ currently, more animals in shelters and rescues nationwide are entering rather than leaving, leading to an overabundance in these facilities. One such example is Rocky, a friendly Main Coon-mix cat, who was raised since he was a kitten by a loving guardian. Fifteen years later, Rocky’s guardian had to enter a medical care facility, he was relinquished to Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton, California. Rocky is still awaiting to find a new home after 6 months where he can enjoy his senior years.

Much like Rocky, pets across the nation are stuck in animal shelters or rescues with nowhere to go. This is completely different from 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown when these organizations saw a surge in adoptions.

"Without significant and immediate support from the public," said Stephanie Filer, executive director for Shelter Animals Count, in the release "data analysis of the past few years predicts adoptions will continue to decrease."

Discover how and where help is needed in your local area and pledge your support here: joinsharethecare.org.

Reference

Shelters alarmingly full as more than 250,000 dogs and cats await homes. News release. Valley Humane Society. September 15, 2022. Accessed September 16, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shelters-alarmingly-full-as-more-than-250-000-dogs-and-cats-await-homes-301625557.html