Do you have, or have you ever adopted, a shelter/rescue pet? If you have, odds are you're pretty passionate about your furry family member.

April 30, 2024 is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. It's a moment to help invigorate those who may question shelter/rescue pets. The stigma that these animals are somehow "broken" needs to fade away. The Covid pandemic may have emptied the shelters, but sadly, shelters are now overcrowded.

1️⃣ Tap "Join" above.

2️⃣ Comment 👇 with anything you'd like to share about your rescue/shelter pet experience. Let's break the stigma!

3️⃣ Tap "Complete" below and let's inspire others to get involved. (PS - We're always open to adorable photos of your furry family member too! You can include a photo after you tap "Complete.")

📸: RBK

Save a life by adopting a shelter pet! 💙💚

We're excited to announce that BPF's Spring National Empty the Shelters reduced-fee adoption event will be coming to a shelter near you May 1-15, 2024. You can adopt a spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped pet for $50 or less at 410+ participating organizations in 43 states.

Our nation's animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now to get pets from shelter kennels into the couches of loving homes.

Find a participating organization near you: https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/empty-the-shelters/#

In less than two years, Daniel Gingerich — a puppy mill breeder in Iowa — amassed approximately 190 Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations noted in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection reports. One violation pertained to a golden retriever known only as #142. She was identified by USDA investigators as emaciated and in need of immediate care.

Keep in mind that the USDA provides licenses to people and entities who breed or house dogs, cats and other animals for commercial use, and the USDA is supposed to protect the animals kept in these facilities. This particular puppy mill breeder in Iowa was USDA-licensed. Far too often, the agency turns a blind eye to blatant cruelty and suffering. In the case of golden retriever #142, she was found three months after the violation in even worse condition.....Goldie was sadly euthanized.

To ensure that this is corrected, Goldie’s Act needs to get passed.  Goldie’s Act is critical legislation that would ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is doing its job to protect animals in federally regulated animal businesses, like zoos, circuses, research laboratories and puppy mills.

👉 Consider adding your name in support to get Goldie's Law implemented for the wellbeing of animals through the U.S.: https://secure.aspca.org/action/usa-goldies-act

Source: ASPCA; Animal Legal Defense Fund
📸: ALDF