Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to save the lives of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, are teaming up for another adoption campaign to encourage people to choose to adopt, not buy, their next pet. Join us this weekend, September 16-18, Friday from 10-5, Saturday AND Sunday, 10-2, for $75 dog and cat adoptions.

Recent data released by Best Friends showed that U.S. shelters were seeing an increase in animal intakes and a decrease in pet adoptions from shelters. This has steadily turned into a crisis in the animal welfare community, where many shelters are over capacity. Anyone considering adding a new pet to their family can make a difference by choosing to adopt instead purchasing their pet. “There is a growing shelter crisis across the country and the animal welfare community won’t just sit by and let innocent pets die,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We’re joining forces with our vast network of shelters and rescues across the country to host our third National Adoption Weekend since May to incentivize people to get out and adopt.” Due to recent problems such as staffing shortages, limited shelter hours, decreased volunteer, and reduced adoption events, the time is now to help save lives by adopting a pet. “We have proof that national promotions like the first two adoption weekends we did in May and July work,” said Castle. “Our July National Adoption Weekend saw close to 10,000 animals adopted in a three-day period.” That’s why Animal Protection Society of Durham is compelled to be a part of the upcoming National Adoption Weekend. The Best Friends Network is comprised of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations and other animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. We are a coalition committed to saving the lives of homeless cats and dogs through collaboration, information-sharing and implementation of proven lifesaving strategies. Our partners support each other and inspire their own communities to increase lifesaving of dogs and cats across the country.

So join us this weekend as we partner with Best Friends in encouraging people to adopt, not buy, their next pet. APS needs you!