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Home > Desert Oracle Radio > Find your next best friend on “National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” today
Podcast: Desert Oracle Radio
Episode:

Find your next best friend on “National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” today
Category: Society & Culture
Duration: 00:00:00
Publish Date: 2026-04-30 16:52:04
Description:

Calling all animal lovers! April 30 is a national day aimed at raising awareness about many animals waiting in shelters across the country. Here is reporter Adeline J. Wells with more about the importance of adopting – rather than shopping – for your next furry friend.

Today (April 30) is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, created to raise awareness concerning the thousands of animals currently awaiting their forever home in shelters across the country.

According to the ASPCA, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues nationally in 2024. While a majority of those animals were adopted, over 607,000 were euthanized in the shelters. The average length of time dogs have stayed in the shelter before adoption has increased over the past seven years, limiting space for new animals and further straining capacity. Today serves as a reminder to support shelters and the thousands of animals they steward through adoption.

The hi-desert is home to a variety of local rescues and shelters dedicated to promoting animal welfare throughout the region.

The Palms-N-Paws Animal Shelter in Twentynine Palms handles a variety of animals from house pets to birds of prey and livestock, and the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is the only no-kill shelter in the Morongo Basin. The Yucca Valley Animal Shelter is one of many operating at over-capacity, and has been running a special $25 adoption rate throughout April. That fee includes compensation for a spay/neuter procedure, microchip, vaccinations, and a voucher for a veterinary visit. The adoption fee is reduced to $5 for animals that have been at the shelter for over 90 days. 

I am an animal lover, and while I was growing up, my family adopted all three of our dogs from a local animal shelter. I have fond memories of studying the sweet, lonely faces of dogs in all shapes and sizes before my family and I would select the pup that would become ours. Now an adult, my current dog George is also a rescue; his spunky personality and sweet nature remind me every day that some second chances are well worth giving.

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is celebrated every April 30, and the State of California celebrates its own Adopt-A-Pet Day on June 6, both serving as days to remember the value of adopting.

You can view the available animals ready for adoption at the Palms-N-Paws Animal Shelter, the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter, and the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter.

The post Find your next best friend on “National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” today appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.
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