Mark Your Calendar for the Second Annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 7, 2025

Embracing Compassion: California's Second Annual Adopt-a-Pet Day

On June 7, 2025, the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), together with the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), is set to host the much-anticipated Second Annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. Building on the remarkable success of last year, the organizations hope to find loving homes for an astounding 5,000 animals during this heartwarming event.

The first Adopt-a-Pet Day in 2024 surpassed expectations, with an impressive 3,609 animals finding new families in just one day. This year, the organizers have raised the adoption goal significantly, aspiring to double the numbers and help thousands of dogs, cats, horses, and other small critters.

More than 150 animal shelters across California will participate in this initiative, offering fee-waived adoptions predominantly funded by grants from the ASPCA. The collaboration aims to alleviate the burden on these shelters, enabling them to focus on finding responsible and caring homes for each animal in their care.

Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals, expressed her excitement, saying, "The turnout for last year's event was so amazing that it inspired us to be even more ambitious with our adoption goals for this year. It's clear that families recognize all the great benefits of adoption. Shelters offer an array of amazing animals, all of whom are ready for loving, caring homes." Adopting an animal from a local shelter comes with many advantages. These shelters routinely vaccinate, spay/neuter, and microchip the animals before adoption. As a result, adopters can enjoy the peace of mind that their new pets have received the appropriate medical care and are well-prepared for their new lives.

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, "The lack of access to veterinary care is impacting the lives of California animals and the families who love them. California Adopt-a-Pet Day is a vital response to these challenges that highlights the extraordinary, loving animals in our shelters. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the human-animal bond."

In 2024 alone, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide, many staying longer in care due to factors such as a shortage of veterinary professionals and a lack of pet-friendly housing. Furthermore, thousands of equines in shelters nationwide are still waiting for homes. Currently, only about 30% of households opt to adopt their pets from shelters or rescue organizations. Increasing this rate by just a few percentage points could result in thousands of pets finding loving homes every year.

Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA, reiterated the broader impact of adopting a shelter pet, stating, "Choosing adoption is a powerful action that helps both animals and people—in California and nationwide. When you adopt from a shelter, you're not just giving one animal a loving home—you’re also making room for another animal in need."

This year’s California Adopt-a-Pet Day is set to include numerous activities and opportunities for families to meet animals of varying breeds, sizes, and ages, all waiting for their forever homes. The event promises to be a joyous celebration of the human-animal bond and the wonderful companion animals available for adoption.

For more information about California Adopt-a-Pet Day, including a detailed interactive map of participating shelters, interested individuals can visit CAAdoptAPetDay.org. On social media, you can follow the excitement using the hashtag #caadoptapetday.

The initiative is wholeheartedly supported by the SF SPCA and the ASPCA, organizations dedicated to ensuring quality care for all companion animals. As advocates for animal welfare, they offer invaluable resources and assistance to local shelters to help them become the best facility they can possibly be.

In a state that continually strives for compassionate treatment of animals, California Adopt-a-Pet Day stands as a proud testament to the commitment of animal welfare organizations to alleviate the plight of pets in need, while also encouraging communities to adopt rather than shop. Let's join in this noble cause on June 7, 2025, and help bring joy and companionship into the lives of many.