Recognizing April 30, 2026, as National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day in the City of Philadelphia, honoring the vital work of local animal shelters and encouraging residents to adopt, volunteer, and support animal welfare efforts throughout the year.

WHEREAS, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is observed annually on April 30th to raise awareness about the millions of animals in shelters across the United States who are in need of loving homes, and to promote adoption, volunteering, and community support for animal welfare organizations; and

WHEREAS, Each year approximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters nationwide, with roughly 3 million adopted and more than 1.5 million euthanized due to limited resources, underscoring the urgent need for adoption and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Adopting a shelter pet not only saves the life of an animal but also frees critical space and resources for other animals in need, while promoting responsible pet ownership and strengthening the human-animal bond within communities; and

WHEREAS, April is also recognized as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting animals from abuse and neglect, and supporting enforcement efforts that ensure their safety and wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly), the City’s only open-intake animal shelter, provides essential services by accepting all animals in need regardless of condition, circumstance, or space limitations; and

WHEREAS, ACCT Philly collaborates with hundreds of regional rescue partners and provides transparent, timely reporting of animal care data, aligning with nationally recognized standards such as Shelter Animals Count and the Asilomar Accords; and

WHEREAS, Respite these successes, ongoing community support through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and donations remains essential to sustain and expand lifesaving efforts; and

WHEREAS, Residents of Philadelphia are encouraged to visit local shelters, meet adoptable animals, and consider making a lifelong commitment to a pet, while those unable to adopt can still contribute meaningfully through volunteerism, donations, and advocacy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes April 30, 2026, as National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day in the City of Philadelphia encourages all residents to support local shelters by adopting pets, fostering animals, volunteering time, donating resources, and raising awareness about animal welfare.

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