Californians can adopt a pet for free on June 1 in honor of the state’s first Adopt a Pet Day.
More than 150 animal shelters statewide will participate in the event, organized by CalAnimals and supported by the ASPCA and the San Francisco SPCA.
“Shelters are such integral parts of our communities—we are where families find their next cat or dog or get treatment for their beloved pets—and now we are asking for the community’s help,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA, said in a statement.
“By working together, we can find homes for thousands of animals throughout the state. Californians are famous for their compassion, empathy, and care. California Adopt-a-Pet Day is a perfect time to put those emotions into action.”
Organizers will pay for the adoption fees for thousands of animals, and all dogs and cats will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Those interested in adopting a pet can use this interactive tool to find shelters in their area.
The event comes as animal shelters become increasingly overcrowded. For example, in May, the East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys was one of six L.A.-based shelters operating over double its capacity.