Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week runs annually in the third week of September, from September 14-20, 2026. This observance shines a light on animals often overlooked in shelters due to age, disability, or breed. Open your heart to a pet who needs you most, volunteer at a local shelter, or share stories of less-adoptable pets to encourage adoption.
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Expected Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week Deals
During Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and adoption drives. Organizations like the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society will likely host special events, waive adoption fees for certain pets, or offer incentives for fostering. Many local shelters partner with pet supply retailers like PetSmart and Chewy for donation matching programs, encouraging customers to round up purchases or donate directly. Look for veterinary clinics to offer discounted health checks for newly adopted pets during this week. We will update this page with confirmed live events as September 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LessAdoptablePets. Share heartwarming photos and videos of pets with unique stories, encouraging followers to open their homes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AdoptDontShop. Create a community post asking for success stories of adopted less-adoptable pets.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #LessAdoptablePetsWeek. Share facts about common misconceptions regarding older or special-needs animals to drive awareness.
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week Hero
Henry Bergh
History of Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week
Humans have had a special relationship with animals for as long as we have been around. The earliest humans successfully domesticated certain animals, and since then we have shared our homes (and hearts) with them. Pets have become our friends, some pets have achieved stardom, and all of them have been immensely loved by their human families. Pets have been known to uplift our mood, sense when we are sad, and be our companions in our darkest hours. So what makes some of them “less adoptable”?
According to petfinder.com, animals who spend 48 weeks or more on the website can be classified as “less adoptable” as compared to other animals who spend an average of 12.5 weeks. When an animal is old, disabled, has been diagnosed with some illness, or simply isn’t as good-looking, its chances of getting adopted are compromised.
Some of the most common less adoptable pets are black dogs and cats — since the color black is often associated with negativity. Senior pets also tend to be ignored since people are worried about their lifespan and age-related illnesses. Special needs pets are also thought to be less adoptable since potential pet parents are worried about care and maintenance. Even though it sounds intimidating, most special needs pets can take care of themselves with a little help from their human family. Certain breeds of cats and dogs are considered “less adoptable” for the way they look or behave. To help combat this, Petfinder.com designated the third week in September as the week they focus on this specific topic and dispel many myths.
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week timeline
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is created.
Henry Bergh forms the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and faces much opposition and ridicule in the process.
Both private and municipal shelters are created, and people start seeing animal rescue in a more positive light.
In the 20th century, 12 to 20 million animals are euthanized per year, while the figure has dropped to three to four million now.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week
Local businesses can honor Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week by partnering with shelters to highlight animals in need. Pet supply stores can offer special discounts on food or accessories for newly adopted senior or special-needs pets. Veterinary clinics might provide free initial health checks or discounted services for these animals. Even coffee shops or bookstores can host ‘meet and greet’ events with adoptable pets, creating a relaxed environment for potential adopters to connect with their future companions.
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week FAQs
When is Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week?
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week 2026 runs from Monday, September 14 through Sunday, September 20. This annual observance is a crucial time for shelters to find homes for their most vulnerable residents.
What makes a pet 'less adoptable'?
Pets are often deemed ‘less adoptable’ for various reasons, including being older, having a disability, chronic illness, specific breed, or even just being shy or black-furred. These characteristics, however, don’t diminish their capacity for love.
How many pets are adopted each year?
According to the ASPCA, approximately 2 million cats and 2 million dogs are adopted from shelters each year in the U.S. Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week strives to increase these numbers for animals facing extra hurdles.
What is the goal of Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week?
The primary goal of Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week is to challenge perceptions and encourage people to consider adopting pets who might be overlooked. It promotes the idea that every animal deserves a loving home, regardless of age, appearance, or health status.
How to Observe Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week
Share photos on social media
Social media can help many pets find their forever homes. Use your online social presence to raise awareness about less adoptable pets.
Educate your friends and family
Tell people about certain pets being less adoptable and why it is a myth. Get your loved ones involved in the cause.
Share your story
If you have shared your life with a less adoptable pet, come out and share your story. This will encourage other people to do the same and raise awareness of the issue.
5 Facts About Pets That Will Blow Your Mind
Cats sleep a lot
Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day.
Dogs can sense your fear
Dogs can smell when people are afraid, thanks to their perspiration.
Cats and humans are similar
A cat’s brain is 90% similar to the human brain.
Rabbits dance called a binky
Binkying looks like a big jump in the air while the rabbit slightly twists its body.
Dogs have a sense of time
They can get accustomed to their schedules in terms of meal times and when they’ll be taken for a walk.
Why Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week is Important
It helps animals
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week helps animals find their forever homes where they feel safe and loved. It’s a noble cause.
Every animal deserves love
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week reminds us that every animal is deserving of love. The week encourages us to open our hearts and homes to pets who are having a hard time finding a home.
It makes us kinder
Pets bring us joy and love. Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week makes us kinder people who are happy to love all creatures, no matter how “imperfect” they may seem.
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 15–21 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2026 | September 14–20 | Monday–Sunday |
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