Pets

Adopt, don't shop: Today is National Shelter Pet Day

Monday is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and there are several ways to celebrate -- including bringing home a furry new friend.

Posted Updated

By
Mikaya Thurmond
, WRAL anchor/reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Monday is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and there are several ways to celebrate -- including bringing home a furry new friend.

This day was created as a way to raise awareness for thousands of pets that need to be adopted and that want to find a forever home.

Officials at the Wake County SPCA say the day couldn't come at a better time, as they typically see a spike in the number of pets that are dropped off during the summer months.

The reason? The SPCA says people start to want to travel and decide that they no longer want their pets.

It's a myth that you can't find a healthy, happy animal at a shelter, and if you're looking for a certain breed, that's possible too.

"People think we have broken pets of some sort," said Tara Lynn of the SPCA. "We have some pure bred animals in here, but what kind of dog or size of the dog doesn't really matter. [The dogs] are all usually very willing to love and be loved and it really can't get much better than that."

Visit your local animal shelter's website -- or stop by -- to learn more about dogs and cats ready for adoption.

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