Celebrate California’s Inaugural Adopt-a-Pet Day With a New Furry Friend

A cat reaches under the enclosure at the Sacramento SPCA. (David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

Do you need a new furry friend? Well, if you’re anywhere in California, now is your chance to find a new pet.

California’s inaugural Adopt-a-Pet Day is coming to a shelter near you June 1. More than 2,024 shelter animals will be available for adoption through participating shelters.

The special day to adopt comes as shelters throughout the Golden State are at maximum capacity. Local news reports in recent months and years have painted a grim picture at the state’s animal shelters.

Sacramento animal shelters started offering free adoptions last year as they began housing dogs in their offices due to a lack of kennel space and, according to media reports, Santa Barbara animal shelters were at maximum capacity in February.

The adopt-a-pet day is organized by the California Animal Welfare Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Nonprofits will cover all adoption fees. The goal of the day is to make adoptions affordable and raise awareness about shelter overcrowding.

“California shelters are facing enormous pressures due to overcrowding conditions, as the number of animals entering shelters is outpacing those leaving,” said Jill Tucker, the CEO of the nonprofit California Animal Welfare Assocation. “By increasing adoption demand and encouraging pet-ready families to visit their local shelter first, we can make a change.”

More than 150 animal shelters will take part up and down the state.

Participating shelters include:

• Los Angeles
• North Central Animal Shelter
• Los Angeles Animal Shelter
• The Stray Cat Alliance
• San Francisco Bay Area
• San Francisco Animal Care & Control
• San Francisco SPCA
• Berkeley Animal Care Services
• San Diego
• The Humane Society locations in San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside

Animals have been dropped off in droves in recent years leading to the strain on the shelter adoption system. Experts say, a nationwide shortage of veterinarians, a lack of affordable spay and neuter services, inflation pressures, and a low supply of pet-friendly housing are all to blame.

“Shelters in California and around the country are facing an overcrowding crisis that requires the support and collaboration of national and local organizations working together with communities to help our most vulnerable animals,” ASPCA President Matt Bershadker said. “The lifesaving impact of our collective efforts will be felt by the animals, the participating organizations, and communities across the state.”

View participating shelters near you by visiting the California Adopt-a-Pet Day website.