October is now “Adopt a Shelter Pet Month” in Vermont thanks to a resolution signed by Gov. Jim Douglas. 

“Adopting a shelter pet not only saves the lives of wonderful animals, it also helps reduce the amount of money taxpayers currently spend to shelter abandoned pets,” said The HSUS’ Vermont state director Joanne Bourbeau. “With October designated as ‘Adopt a Shelter Pet Month,’ Vermonters are encouraged to make animal shelters and rescue groups their first choice when bringing new pets into their homes.”

 Also, be sure to check out the newly launched “Shelter Pet Project.”  It’s the first national public service advertising campaign to promote shelter pet adoption.  The Humane Society of the United States estimates that approximately 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year.  And, sadly, it is estimated that 3-4 million of these animals will be euthanized.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended those who want to add a pet to their household consider adopting from a shelter or rescue — you could, quite literally, be saving a life!