According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters across the country each year. Since 1981, the ASPCA and the American Humane Society observe Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month each October to find forever homes for abandoned and often abused animals who have nowhere else to go. 

Adopting from a shelter not only means that you’re giving an animal a happy life but you’re also freeing up a spot to allow that organization to continue caring for other animals in need. 

There are several places in Sullivan County dedicated to providing better lives for our animal friends. The Sullivan County SPCA in Rock Hill is a no-kill shelter rescuing hundreds of animals annually, predominantly from kill shelters in southern states. This shelter relies solely on public donations and adoption fees in order to continue their mission. You can learn more about the Sullivan County SPCA by visiting sullivanspca.org. 

Catskill Animal Rescue (CARE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and finding abused, homeless and abandoned animals loving homes. They’re motivated about educating the public regarding proper animal care and training. Anyone looking for to adopt from CARE, make a donation, or learn more about their efforts in Sullivan county can visit catskillanimalrescue.net. 

These are just two shelters and there are others doing great work too!

Adopting a new pet is a serious decision. Not everyone is in a position to make that kind of commitment. Donations and volunteer efforts can go a long way to help ensure local animal shelters remain open. 

Along with supporting our local animal shelters through donations or volunteer work, spaying and neutering pets can help to curb the rise of stray or abandoned animals. 

So whether it’s October or any other time of year, consider supporting your local animal shelter. When your family considers adopting a new pet, speak with the dedicated shelter staff about providing a safe and loving home for animals that desperately need one.