By Trish Svoboda/Images courtesy Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is teaming up with shelters across Kansas, Indiana, and Iowa for a major adoption push this Saturday, October 18, aimed at celebrating and advancing the no-kill movement. More than 2,500 pets from 38 shelters are participating.

Fraily Rodriguez, Senior Director, Lifesaving Programs, Best Friends Animal Society, said the Tri-State Adoption Event builds on the success of a similar event in Louisiana. “We were able to do a successful adoption event in Louisiana. Then when we brought it up to our team in Kansas, they were just excited to be able to do the same. And when we started getting some momentum of another state and another state, it just became a bigger deal.”

The effort coincides with no-kill proclamations issued in the three participating states. “It really marks a commitment to saving the life of every healthy and treatable pet in those state shelters,” said Stacy Rogers, Director, Central Region, Best Friends Animal Society. “Seven million people will add a pet to their family this year, and if just 6% choose adoption, the U.S. could become a no-kill nation.”

Beyond adoptions, Rogers and Rodriguez said communities can contribute to the no-kill movement through foster care, support programs, volunteering, and donating. “It’s really bringing everybody together to find the best outcome for all of the pets in the community that can be saved,” said Rogers. “And that’s all driven by people standing up and saying, we can do this. Let’s work together,” added Rodriguez.

Those who are looking to adopt for the first time and are unsure of what to expect, or which pet is right for them are encouraged to go to their local shelters and talk with the staff. “They have a great handle on the animals personalities and can really help be that matchmaker so that you can find just the right pet for your family,” said Rogers.

“One of the most rewarding things that the community can do is to give a home to a dog or a cat. It is just a beautiful thing. So come by October 18 to your local shelter,” said Rodriguez.

Rogers has three adopted dogs, three adopted cats, plus three adopted barn cats, and Fraily has a spoiled golden doodle, Coco Chanel, that was adopted from a shelter in Orlando, Fl.

Kansans can find participating shelters at bestfriends.org/adoptkansas.