Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a chance to celebrate shelter dogs, recognize the people and organizations caring for them, and raise awareness about the difference adoption can make.
According to the latest statewide report available from Maine’s Animal Welfare Program, 21,005 dogs and cats entered Maine shelters in 2024. Of those, 7,408 came in as strays and 7,039 of them were surrendered by their owner. In 2024 Maine did report 16,757 animal adoptions! While those numbers combine dogs and cats, they show just how many animals move through Maine’s shelters each year and why adoption is so important!
Why does adoption matter?
Adopting one animal opens up kennel space, staff time, funding, and other resources for another animal in the system.
Shelter dogs also come in all different ages, sizes, personalities, and backgrounds. Puppies aren’t the only options and adult/elder dogs also make great pets!
Shelter staff can often help families learn more about a dog’s personality, activity level, medical needs, and the type of home where they may thrive in to make sure they are the right fit for your family and your lifestyle.
Adoption can also include some important veterinary care all animals need. What is included can vary between organizations but many shelters/rescues will make sure all animals are fixed and fully up to date on their age appropriate vaccines before being adopted.
Bringing Your New Dog Home: Remember the 3-3-3 Rule:
The First 3 Days-Decompressing: Your new dog may feel nervous, overwhelmed, tired, or timid the first couple of days in their new environment. You can set up a comfortable, quiet place for them to rest and try to avoid overwhelming them with visitors, outings, or too many new experiences at once.
The First 3 Weeks — Learning Their New Routine: As your dog begins to feel safer they may begin to start learning the household routines and showing more of their shining personality. Staying consistent with feeding times, bathroom breaks, walks, and rests can help the dog learn their day to day routines.
The First 3 Months — Building Trust & Comfort With Your Pet: With time the dog will become increasingly familiar with their home, their routine, their family, and any furry siblings. This is when trust and confidence can continue to grow and you’ll see their personality shining through as they learn that this new environment is safe and permanent. Most importantly, 3-3-3 is a guideline—not a deadline. Some dogs settle quickly, while others may need more time to adjust.
Let your dog set the pace, keep introductions gradual, and remember that the behavior you see during the first few days may not be the full picture of who they’ll become once they feel comfortable. Giving a newly adopted dog patience, structure, and time can help make the transition more smooth for everyone!
Looking to Adopt Locally? There are many great shelters/rescues throughout the State of Maine. We will provide a link in the comments for a great tool to view all the shelters in Maine and find one local to you!
Even if adoption is not right for you at this time there are still many ways you can help animals in our local shelters! You can volunteer at the shelter, help foster, donate (supplies and/or funds), help spread the word by sharing adoptable pets on social media, or even by getting the Maine Animal Welfare Speciality plate.
The proceeds from the specialty plate are equally distributed between the Animal Welfare Auxiliary Fund and the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.
The Animal Welfare Auxiliary Fund supports the objectives of Maine’s animal welfare laws, including the protection, care, and welfare of companion animals and livestock.
The Companion Animal Sterilization Fund aka The Help Fix Me Program helps to curb pet overpopulation and shelter euthanasia by offering vouchers to qualified individuals who may need assistance with spay or neuter for their dogs or cats.
With every purchase of the $20 speciality plate $5 goes to the AWAF and $5 goes to the CASF so every purchase of the speciality plates helps animals all over Maine!
*The remaining $10 of the plate is split between the highway fund (which gets $9) and the speciality license plate fund (which gets $1).
At Maine Animal Health Alliance, we believe every animal deserves care and the opportunity to experience a safe, healthy, and loving life. This month, we’re celebrating the shelter dogs who have already found their families and all of those still waiting for theirs. Take a look today and see if one of those waiting might be the perfect match for you!
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_welfare/shelters.shtml
