Animal Shelters

Animal shelters are places that take in pets that do not have homes. Shelters take care of lost, abandoned, and unwanted animals. They feed them, give them medical care, and keep them safe. The goal of every shelter is to find each animal a loving forever home.

Adopting from a Shelter

Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful thing to do. Shelter pets are just as loving as pets from breeders. Many shelter animals are already trained and ready for a family. When you adopt, you give a homeless animal a second chance at a happy life.

How Kids Can Help

There are many ways kids can help animal shelters. Some shelters accept donated towels, blankets, and pet food. Kids can organize fundraisers or collection drives at school. Older kids might be able to volunteer to walk dogs or socialize cats. Every little bit helps the animals.

Fun Facts

• About 6.3 million pets enter animal shelters in the United States each year.
• Shelter animals often make the most grateful and loyal pets.
• Some shelters have reading programs where kids read books to shy animals to help them relax.

Did You Know?

The first animal shelter in the United States opened in 1866 in New York City. It was started by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, also known as the ASPCA!