Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week is celebrated each year in the third week of September. Pets are our friends, and they give so much meaning to our lives. It is sad to think that certain animals are considered “less adoptable” because they are not “perfect.” Pet shelters, rescue homes, and veterinary clinics raise awareness by helping people realize that these less adoptable pets also deserve a loving home. These animals are just as loving, sweet, and kind as all other pets.
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.
Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week FAQs
What are the arguments for adopting less adoptable pets?
Older pets are calmer — you don’t have to worry about your stuff getting knocked over. Physically challenged pets are often unaffected by their handicap — but you look like a hero. There is a pro to every con with adopting these animals.
What is an animal rescue?
Animal rescue is an effort to save animals from cruelty and abuse. An animal rescue operation identifies animal cruelty, recovers animals from bad conditions, and makes every effort to give those animals better lives.
What does International Animal Rescue do?
At International Animal Rescue, they save animals from suffering. We also rehabilitate and release them back into the wild and work to protect their natural habitats.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 19 | Monday |
| 2023 | September 18 | Monday |
| 2024 | September 16 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 14 | Monday |
Log In With Google