A harsh economic climate can impact lives in ways that aren’t always obvious. Families might eat out less, limit car expenses, or postpone pet adoption from pet rescues. In fact, according to The Washington Post, U.S. animal shelters were the most overcrowded they have been in years at the beginning of 2024. 

The challenge has been two-fold. Not only are there fewer pet adoptions, but pet populations continue to grow in a country where almost two-thirds of households already own a pet and nearly half own dogs. At the same time, the cost of pet-care services and pet food costs have also increased. 

While there has been some positive news to alleviate the pet rescue crisis, more must be done to raise awareness and make it easier to adopt pets. Here are eight ways to make a difference for pet rescues and pet shelters. 

Government Senior Services can match seniors with pets. The city of Montclair, New Jersey, recently launched its “Seniors and Pets Healthy Living Program,” which helps older adults find a suitable pet and includes some financial aid to help with animal care expenses. This unique program is already having a positive impact on pets.

Elected officials can promote pet rescue adoption. In Las Vegas, Councilwoman Victoria Seaman has taken to hosting a weekly Adopt-A-Pet segment on her Facebook page. The weekly post shows animals — cats, dogs, rabbits, and other pets — that are waiting for homes at the Nevada SPCA. 

Creative events can make a big difference. Every year, more than 65 shelters from shelters across the United States participate in an annual Puppy Bowl event. Now in its 20th year, Puppy Bowl asks shelters to send puppies as “representatives” of their shelters. The event has grown from 100 adoptions to more than 2,000 every year!

Newspapers can make a difference in their communities. ClarksvilleNow.com in Tennessee publishes a weekly “Pets of the Week” segment that features pets from area shelters. Even better, the weekly segment is sponsored by a local business, meaning the newspaper isn’t giving up any real estate to prove the service. 

Companies can join the community in promoting pet adoption. In Richmond, Virginia, Tractor Supply Co. hosted a pet adoption event and opened it up to the public and friendly leashed pets. This rural lifestyle retailer has long supported pet rescue and adoption. They host several events year round to stimulate adoption. 

Celebrities can take part in initiatives for pet rescues. In collaboration with Lionsgate and the Best Friends Animal Society, Mark Wahlberg has signed on to do PSAs with his Arthur the King canine costar to raise awareness about pet adoption. “When you adopt your next pet from a shelter, or a rescue group, you are helping to save the lives of pets like Arthur and so many others,” Wahlberg said in a recent interview. 

Pet rescues can launch their own online campaigns. Nine pet rescue groups, mainly in Central Alberta, Canada, teamed up to help find homes for animals in their care as part of an online “Share the Love” campaign. The idea was the brainchild of New Chapter Animal Rescue League social media manager Lindsey Rutsch. She thought the campaign would be more robust with pet rescue partners. 

All About Spot will partner with pet rescues nationwide. All About Spot works with pet rescues to add pet documentation that transfers to the new owner upon adoption! Information can include microchips, vet records, medication schedules, unique markers — everything pet parents like to store. Check out our Pet Rescue program. 

Looking to adopt? The easiest path for prospective pet owners is to fill out your adoption application early, well ahead of choosing a pet. It will help expedite the process of finding the right pet. 

After your application is approved at one or more pet rescues, set up some pet alerts and check rescue sites daily. Make sure you follow pet rescues on social networks, especially during the summer. Adoptions tend to taper off during the summer, so pet rescues post more pictures on social networks. 

With celebrities, communities, and companies all working together, we can help more than 7 million cats, dogs, and other animals find the homes they need. Share the story and share the love. Thank you!