Every month should be Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, as far as we’re concerned. But since 1981, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month has been officially observed in October to raise awareness about the millions of shelter dogs seeking forever homes.

According to American Humane, 3-4 million shelter dogs are still waiting for someone to adopt them. Adopt A Shelter Dog Month is our annual reminder that shelters are crowded with lovable dogs desperately hoping someone will give them a chance.

Photo: Pixabay

Of course, adopting a dog is also a big commitment, because dogs require healthy food, daily exercise, and a pet-friendly landlord. Fortunately, there are also ways to support shelter dogs even if you can’t adopt. Read on for 6 ways to help shelter dogs this October and year-round!

1. Adopt a Shelter Dog

Photo: Pixabay

Adoption is the ideal way to observe Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, especially because the pandemic has left U.S. shelters and rescues desperately short on kennel space. This has forced some shelters to place five dogs in a kennel, while other shelters are forced to euthanize extra animals. If you’ve ever considered adopting a dog, October is the perfect time to help save an animal's life!

2. Foster A Shelter Dog

Photo: Pixabay

If you can't fully commit to adopting a shelter dog, fostering is the next best thing. Foster parents provide critical help to overcrowded shelters, while shelter dogs benefit from having a break from the noisy, crowded kennel. Fostering also gives shelter dogs the chance to practice their manners and socialization, thus improving their chances of getting adopted.

3. Make a Donation

Photo: Greater Good Charities

Cash-strapped shelters can always use food and donations, especially as the covid enters its second year. Consider gifting pet food or supplies to your local shelter, or make a donation to help us fund care packages for shelter dogs, provide life-saving vaccines, or outfit shelter dogs with bowls, blankets, collars, and other critical supplies.

4. Become a Shelter Volunteer

Photo: Pixabay

In addition to desperately seeking donations, shelters also need human volunteers-- especially during a pandemic that's left shelters operating with skeleton crews. Contact your local shelter or humane society to see what volunteer opportunities may exist in your area.

5. Fly Shelter Dogs to Freedom

Photo: Greater Good Charities

Life isn't kind to shelter dogs, but it's especially tough on homeless pups from Louisiana, where shelter overcrowding leaves dogs at high risk of euthanasia. This tragic dilemma inspired Greater Good's Good Flights program, which fly Southern shelter pets to safety in East Coast shelters, where they'll be adopted in days. Please make a donation to help at-risk shelter dogs flying on our next Flights to Freedom.

6. Spread the Word About Shelter Dogs

Photo: Pixabay

Adopt A Shelter Dog Month was founded to raise awareness about shelter dogs--and that's never been easier to do! Post your shelter dog's photo on social media, tell your pup's rescue story, and share this story to help us spread the word. How will you be celebrating Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?