'Find Your Fido' During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is working with animal shelters throughout the United States to make dog adoptions the number one trend on social media during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

The “Find Your Fido” campaign is running throughout the month of October to generate a positive buzz around dog adoption, animal shelters and animal rescue organizations.

“We have a message we think is very powerful,” said Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the ASPCA adoption center. “We estimate 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters across the country every year. We need to reach everyone who has a home and a heart.”

Shelters and rescues can sign up for the campaign and receive press release templates, social media posts, shareable graphics, posters and more to promote their collaboration with the ASPCA and ultimately increase the number of dogs adopted from participating shelters.

“Although great progress has been made to increase animal adoption across the country, there are still millions of dogs waiting each year for safe and loving homes,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. “Fido represents them all, and we hope his presence will inspire people to adopt and foster pets, spread awareness and celebrate how much adoptions benefit both pets and their owners.”

An adorable mixed-breed rescue dog named Fido is the face of the campaign and is featured throughout the promotional materials. But according to the ASPCA, “Fido represents any dog, in any shelter, in any city or town. Fido could be big or small, fluffy or sleek, lazy or playful — but most importantly, every Fido needs a home.”

After becoming a “Find Your Fido” ambassador, animal shelters are asked to promote their “Fidos” by using the #FindYourFido hashtag on every social media post, involving their local influencers and community, hosting Fido-themed adoption events, and coming up with creative ideas to promote shelter adoptions.

We’re teaming up with @ASPCA to help you #FindYourFido for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Learn more at https://t.co/dNez9Gr8ye! pic.twitter.com/eLnLI621cK

— Animal Foundation (@animalfndlv) October 1, 2017

The ASPCA is working with nearly 600 organizations across the country on this social media campaign, and is still looking for more shelters to help share the message.

“The feeling of going into a shelter and coming out with a new best friend—everyone should have that experience,” Buchwald said. “Shelter animals make amazing pets.”

For more information about “Find Your Fido” or to join the campaign, visit www.aspcapro.org/adopt-out-more-dogs-find-your-fido-campaign.