National Rescue Dog Day

National Rescue Dog Day History

National Rescue Dog Day seeks to raise awareness to the countless number of dogs in need of adoption. Focusing on the plight of rescue dogs, it encourages the humane act of adopting dogs from shelters and rescue centers. These frequently overlooked dogs are just as capable of providing love, companionship and security. This observance also underscores the additional benefits that rescue dogs bring. Such include the improvement of human wellbeing through the promotion of an active lifestyle, reduction of stress levels, and even assistance in detecting health risks such as seizures and cancer.

The establishment of National Rescue Dog Day was prompted by the life-changing story of a rescued pit bull named Pepper in May of 2013. Pepper’s adoptive family in America recognized her intelligence and intuition, inspiring them to have her trained as a certified therapy dog. Her story runs parallel with many others across America, where an adopted rescue dog offers not just companionship, but various forms of assistance like therapeutic and disability services thus enriching the quality of life of their adopters.

National Rescue Dog Day is observed across America through a range of initiatives that promote the adoption of rescue dogs. Individuals and communities participate in this observance by visiting shelters to learn about the process of adopting a dog. Furthermore, educating oneself and others about the importance of spaying and neutering is encouraged to control the unwanted population of dogs. In terms of advocacy, people are urged to share success stories and give voice to the dogs still needing rescuing. National Rescue Dog Day is held annually on May 20th.

National Rescue Dog Day facts

• According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters in the United States each year, out of which 1.6 million are adopted.
• According to the ASPCA, the return rate for adopted dogs is around 10-20%.
• It is estimated that around 75% of dogs in shelters are mixed breeds. Mixed breed dogs are referred to as mutts.
• According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 6.3 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year.
• According to SafeWise, the most pet friendly states in the U.S. in 2022 are:
  1) Indiana
  2) Tennessee
  3) North Carolina
  4) Nevada
  5) Vermont
• According to Chewy, in 2022, over 1 million pets were adopted from shelters in the United States.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Rescue Dog Day

Top things to do in the US for National Rescue Dog Day

• Adopt an animal companion if you have the available time and resources. Remember to make sure they get their shots and to spay or neuter them.
• Donate to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to help prevent animal cruelty and rescue pets in need,
• Watch a movie that highlights the bond between people and their pets. Here are our suggestions:
  A Dog's Journey 2019
  Isle of Dogs 2018
  Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)