October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, otherwise known as Dogtober, and we want to give you the tools and information you need to get involved this month and help animals in need! But there isn’t just one way to help give back to shelter dogs. Here are our top 10 ways you can help give dogs a second chance no matter where you are!

1. Adopt!

Adopting a shelter dog adds lots of love to your life and gives a deserving animal a home to call their own, but it also makes room in the shelter for more homeless animals. If you’re ready to bring home a new four-legged friend, find available dogs near you!

2. Become a foster caregiver.

Help your local shelter or rescue by becoming a foster caregiver. By providing them a temporary place to live, you can give a rescue dog the chance to find out what it’s like to live in a loving home. The shelter covers the cost while you provide some much-needed TLC! Find a shelter or rescue near you and learn more about animal fostering today!

3. Volunteer at your local shelter or rescue.

Shelters and rescues are usually looking for volunteers to help with a variety of needs, including  walking dogs, socializing with animals and much more. Find a shelter or rescue near you and see if there are any volunteer opportunities!

4. Advocate for adoption!

There are amazing dogs of all breeds and sizes in shelters and rescue groups just waiting to be adopted! When puppies are purchased from pet shops and online, cruel commercial breeders make money. Learn why pet sellers are a problem and spread the word about adoption. 

5. Wear your heart on your sleeve.

Literally! Speak out for animals with an ASPCA sweatshirt, t-shirt and other exclusive gear. Proceeds will help our work to rescue, protect and care for the animals who need us most.

6. Share local adoptable animals on your social media channels!

You can help animals find loving homes quicker than ever by simply sharing the animal’s profile on your social media channels.

7. Start a fundraiser of your own.

Did you know you can donate your birthday, wedding, anniversary or any other special event by helping raise funds for vulnerable animals nationwide? In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a special day—a normal Tuesday works, too! You can also create a Facebook Fundraiser to motivate your family and friends to give to helpless animals in lieu of a gift. Learn how!

8. Speak up for animals.  

Show up for animals this month and stay up-to-date on how you can use your voice, find volunteer opportunities, make humane choices when it comes to food, and find easy ways to take action right from your couch!

9. Pamper the pets in your life!

Making a difference in the lives of the pets in your home is just as important as changing the lives of others outside of it. Give the furry friends in your life something special like a homemade treat or an outdoor adventure!

10. Make a gift to the ASPCA.

We work year-round to fight for the animals who need us most. With support from people like you, we can give more animals the second chances they deserve. You can also donate needed items directly to ASPCA programs through our Amazon Charity Lists.