October is American Humane's Adopt-a-Dog Month®

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For thousands of years, dogs have been our best friends, our protectors, and often our personal heroes, improving and even saving our lives. That is why each October, American Humane, the country's first national humane organization and the nation's leading first responder for animals in need, encourages animal lovers to repay the favor by adopting a dog from a local shelter or rescue group during its annual "Adopt-a-Dog Month^®."  This year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, American Humane is teaming up with Hallmark Channel's "Adoption Ever After" campaign to help get more of the millions of beautiful animals left in shelters each year into forever homes. All throughout the month, you can go to www.AmericanHumane.org to find tips on preparing your home for a new four-legged companion, other vital information, and social media campaigns and blogs to help build a better world for our best friends. If you're already a dog lover, or just need an extra push to bring home a pup waiting for your love, be sure to tune in to the 2020 American Humane Hero Dog Awards^tm on Hallmark Channel Oct. 19 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT (check local listings for exact date and time). The heartwarming stories of amazing dogs (including rescued shelter dogs like this year's shelter dog winner MacKenzie) who improve and even save our lives will make you realize that every dog is a hero and every hero needs a home. Make this the month you bring your own hero home, watch the Hero Dog Awards, and spread the word with the hashtag #adoptioneverafter.

Here are a variety of ways to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month:

Adopt from a shelter or rescue group
When you're ready to open your heart and home to a new best friend, adopt from your local animal shelter or rescue group. Talk with shelter staff to find the perfect dog for you and your lifestyle, and remember that older dogs make excellent pets, too.

Spay or neuter your dog
Have your dog spayed or neutered, thus preventing the possibility of unexpected, and potentially unwanted, puppies. Spayed and neutered animals have been shown to lead longer, healthier lives and have fewer of certain behavioral problems than animals who have not been spayed or neutered.

ID your pet
By putting identification on your dog, either in the form of a tag, a microchip or both, you will reduce the possibility that your pet will become one of the presumably "homeless" dogs that end up at your local shelter. Only 15-20 percent of dogs who enter a shelter are reunited with their owners. Make sure your dog is one of the fortunate few by outfitting him with proper identification!

Support your local shelter
Show the pets at your local shelter or rescue group that you care by donating time, money or supplies like pet food, leashes, beds and toys. Call the shelter to see what supplies or services are needed most. Even the smallest effort can make a difference.

Consider adopting an older dog
There is a great need to provide safe, loving homes for the thousands of older pets who often face the highest risk in animal shelters. Each year, an estimated 670,000 dogs are euthanized in the nation's shelters. Many potential pet adopters overlook older animals ? but there are so many reasons why dogs over the age of 6 or 7 make ideal furry family members and friends: They tend to be less rambunctious than younger dogs; they're often already house-trained; they're a great fit for people with busy lifestyles; they're so grateful for a second chance and will give you lots of love and thanks. "Senior dogs who get adopted from shelters just might be the most grateful dogs on the planet," says TODAY.com writer Laura Coffey, author of  "My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts."  "And don't let their age fool you! It's amazing to see how much these dogs still have to offer and teach us."

"There are so many animals, young and old, who need forever loving homes during this global crisis," says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "Join us in our push to get as many beautiful, loving 'pandemic pets' adopted as possible. You will not only save a life, you will improve your own!"

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. To learn more, please  visit us at www.americanhumane.org and follow American Humane on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram.

SOURCE American Humane