While kittens are the first adopted, other cats and dogs may wait months–or years–in shelters due to no fault of their own. To shine a spotlight on these pets that are often overlooked, Petfinder developed Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week.
When is Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week?
Every year, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week takes place in the third week of September.
Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet was first launched in 2009 after recognizing that approximately 95 percent of shelters and rescue groups have a harder time finding homes for certain pets.
Which Pets are Considered Less Adoptable?
The term “less adoptable” does not suggest these animals have less love to give or are less deserving. Instead, it addresses the reality that certain categories of pets face longer wait times in shelters due to biases, misconceptions, and societal preferences.
“Every day, families walk into shelters or visit Petfinder.com and, perhaps unconsciously, bypass some adoptable pets simply because of the way they look, their age, or because they have a condition such as blindness or deafness,” said Betsy Banks Saul, the co-founder of Petfinder.com.
Pets that often fall into this category include:
- senior cats: Often overlooked in favor of kittens, older animals tend to be calmer, already trained, and can provide just as much love and companionship.
- cats with chronic conditions such as diabetes: Whether born with a condition or affected by an injury, these pets might need a little extra care. However, many find caring for them especially rewarding.
- blind or deaf cats
- shy cats
- black cats: In many cultures, superstitions surround black animals. Consequently, black cats and dogs often wait longer for adoption.
- feral cats
- pets with birth defects
- cats with ringworm, FLV or FIV: Some animals might have ongoing medical needs or conditions that require medication or special diets.
- Long-term Shelter Residents: Some pets simply get overlooked time and again, with no evident reason for their prolonged stay.
Why Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet?
Every pet who comes into our lives teaches us special lessons…and those deemed less adoptable are capable of a special impact on our lives including:
- Making a Significant Impact: Adopting a less adoptable pet often means saving a life that others have passed over.
- Debunking the Myths: By adopting and sharing your positive experiences, you can help combat stigmas and stereotypes associated with certain breeds or categories.
- Experiencing Unconditional Love: Every pet, regardless of age, color, or ability, has an abundance of love to offer.
- Teaching Empathy and Understanding: Adopting a less adoptable pet can be a great way to teach children about acceptance, understanding, and the value of all lives.
Ways to Offer Support Beyond Pet Adoption
Even if you aren’t in a position to adopt, there are several ways to support Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week:
- Spread the Word: Sharing posts on social media can increase visibility for these often overlooked pets.
- Volunteer: Spend time with these animals at your local shelter, offering them companionship and improving their chances of adoption.
- Donate: Shelters often operate on tight budgets. Donations, whether monetary or in-kind, can greatly aid in the care of less adoptable pets.
- Foster: If you can’t commit to a permanent adoption, consider fostering. It provides a temporary home for the pet and can also be a bridge to a forever home.
Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week serves as a heartfelt reminder that every pet deserves a chance. Looking beyond superficial biases or the challenge of special needs, we often find hidden treasures—pets with unique personalities, resilience, and a deep capacity for love.
Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or advocate, every effort counts in giving these animals the homes and lives they deserve.
Our Own “Less Adoptable” Story
Today we have a guest post from Inca, our black cat, to talk about Petfinder’s Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week.
My parents have asked me to write about Petfinder.com’s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week.
As I understand it, some people think black cats like me are less adoptable. I certainly can’t understand that kind of thinking! Apparently many other black kitties are overlooked in their cages at shelters, along with black dogs. I don’t know why…obviously we’re beautiful. And my parents tell me that I’m good luck so I know it can’t be the bad luck and black cats thing that I’ve heard rumors about here and there.
According to what I hear, some pets just have a tough time getting adopted, including older pets (hey, isn’t that age discrimination?!), ones that are shy, pets with conditions like blindness or deafness, or ones with other medical issues. (My doggie sister Irie, who is still shy, had mange when she came home. Her complexion has cleared right up, though, and she’s a great sister.)
And, of course, there are feral cats like my brother Felix who are often overlooked at shelters, too. Felix is a wonderful older brother (although he does hog the laser game!)
If you get lucky…really lucky…you might find a pretty black cat like me at your local shelter!
More Cat Holidays
Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week is just one of many September cat holidays here on CatTipper. You also might enjoy:
Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
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