This month, we’re thankful for every four-legged friend who brings joy, companionship, and a whole lot of love into our homes. As we count our blessings, we’re also grateful for every adopter, foster, volunteer, and giver who helps pets find their way home. As we know, adoption is more than just acquiring a pet, it’s offering a second chance and gaining a grateful new friend. Adoption changes two lives: yours AND your pets’. Let’s celebrate the wagging tails, quiet purrs, and everyday moments that make our homes feel full!
First, let’s take a deeper dive into the current state of pet adoption.
Across the United States, shelters and rescues worked tirelessly this year to keep pets safe and get them home:
• Over four million pets were adopted last year (about two million dogs and two million cats). That’s up roughly 17,000 from the year before!
• Approximately 5.8 million animals entered shelters last year; an even split between cats and dogs.
Here at home, Iowa continues to outperform national averages when it comes to shelter “save rates,” meaning animals that are placed before being euthanized. There are also over 100 organizations dedicated to housing pets in need across our state. Some of the local shelters Animal Health Centers work with are Heartland Humane Society, Almost Home Rescue, Furever Friends, Stephens Memorial Shelter, and Marion County Humane Society.
Beyond the joy of companionship, adopted pets can be a great logistical option for a family as well. Adopted pets often come microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered. Your adoption fee also helps the next pet in line at your local shelter, powering a cycle of lifesavinghopefulness.
Although, if adoption isn’t the right fit right now, there are a number of ways that offer a lower-commitment way to help.
How You Can Help (Right Now)
1) Fostering an animal
Not sure about a long-term commitment? Most shelters offer fostering options for pets who are most at need. Even two weeks can be the bridge to a forever home.
2) Volunteer your talents.
From walking dogs, socializing cats, transporting pets, helping with laundry—there’s a role for everyone!
3) Donate supplies or funds.
Kittens need food; big dogs need big beds; every shelter needs cleaning supplies. Plus, monetary gifts let teams act quickly where the need is greatest.
As we give thanks, we’re celebrating the everyday magic pets bring – morning walks, sunny-spot naps, goofy zoomies, and quiet evenings side by side. We’re equally grateful for the people behind the scenes: the staff cleaning kennels before sunrise, the fosters answering late-night texts, the volunteers braving winter weather for one more dog walk, the adopters who say “yes.”Thank you to all who help our furry friends!
