By Nancy E. Hassel, American Pet Professionals

I know our normal content here on our American Pet Professionals blog page is all about the business side of the pet industry, our events, pet articles, tips, and know-how – but what leads us to the pet industry is our love for pets.  It is our common denominator that connects us as peers in this industry. 

Recently, I went back to the animal shelter where I adopted my dog Cody from, Islip Animal Shelter.  I  haven’t been there in a year, and the shelter is full with all kinds of pets waiting for homes. Many dogs and puppies, many of which were purebred dogs, small designer dogs, at least 10 Huskies 6 or 7 German Shepherds, and cats, kittens, rabbits, and guinea pigs.  There was even a very friendly pig there who should be on one of the farms or sanctuaries living his best life, not in a shelter environment.  Even thought they take wonderful care of that pig.  Many of our animal shelters across the country are packed with pets desperately looking for homes, and it is really heartbreaking.

We know during the pandemic, there was a boom in adoption, but sadly that is no longer the case.  

I love the business side of the industry, (as you may know), and I know our industry gives back to rescues and shelters, has many programs to help, and I do love seeing events all the time to help our rescues.  Thank you to those companies and individuals who are working to help animal rescues and shelters daily.

However, when was the last time you went to your local shelter?

When was the last time you took your team to a local shelter?

Maybe it was this week, maybe it was a year ago, like me, or never.  Are you disconnected from how incredibly hard our shelter workers and volunteers work to try and place as many pets as possible into homes? Care for them while at the shelter, and cry happy tears as a long-time shelter pet finds a home?

I know we are all incredibly busy running our businesses, have deadlines, need to meet goals, and make that awesome new pet product, I get it, believe me, I do.  But maybe this week, or month, since it is National Pet Month, you can go to your local shelter and see how you can help. See how full the shelters are – and talk with the staff to find out what you or your company can do to help.

We promote pets that are available for adoption ever week, in our Pet Events Newsletter, and have done so for many years, and many have been adopted because someone saw them in our email.  Which, by the way, it still blows my mind whenever I hear it, and am so happy when it does happen.

But seeing so many pets pawing at the shelter cages and doors in hopes someone, will give them a chance, it is heartbreaking.  I actually like going to the shelter to see all the pets so that we can highlight them, and cheer when we see them posted that they were adopted.  But also know there are many more waiting, some for years to go to their forever homes. 

I know this is a bigger issue than just going to visit your shelter, but maybe by going, you will be inspired to do more. And if you do have a program, or something you want to share, please let us know so we can share what you’re doing can inspire others – and help get pets adopted and stay in homes.

You can see the Instagram video featuring many of the animals in the shelter waiting for homes.  I am happy to report that a few that are in this video have gone to new homes.