Thousands of animals in shelters across California—and dozens in the Los Angeles area—could find new homes this Saturday, June 7, during the Second Annual California Pet Adoption Day.

Organized by CalAnimals, the San Francisco SPCA, and the ASPCA, this statewide event brings together more than 150 shelters and rescue organizations to offer free adoptions with an ambitious goal: to find homes for 5,000 animals in a single day.

“Last year’s participation exceeded our expectations, and we know this year can be even more transformative,” said Jill Tucker, executive director of CalAnimals. “There are thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits, and even horses waiting for a second chance.”

In 2024, the inaugural event saw more than 3,600 animals adopted in a single day, far surpassing the original goal. This year, organizers have doubled down.

A Silent Urgency: Millions of Homeless Animals

Every year, more than 5.8 million dogs and cats enter shelters in the United States, many of them with no real chance of being adopted quickly due to obstacles such as a lack of veterinarians, a housing crisis that excludes pets, and the high cost of animal medical care. The situation especially affects urban communities like Los Angeles, where shelter overcrowding is a constant.

“The lack of access to veterinary care is affecting the lives of animals and the families who love them,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, executive director of the San Francisco SPCA. “This event is a concrete way to change that, one adoption at a time.”

Responsible and Free Adoptions

All animals adopted during the event have been previously vaccinated and sterilized, which represents a great benefit for the adopting families. Additionally, shelter staff will provide guidance to ensure a good match between the pet and its new home.

“Adopting from a shelter is more than a kind deed—it’s an emotional investment that transforms lives,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president. “And every adoption gives another animal the chance at rescue, too.”

How to Participate

Interested individuals can consult the interactive map of participating shelters on the official website CAAdoptAPetDay.org. There they will find the location of nearby adoption centers and details about the event.

In the Los Angeles area, dozens of shelters are expected to participate, including some of the largest and most active in the state. Most adoptions will be completely free of charge, thanks to the ASPCA’s sponsorship. Here you can find a map of the shelters participating in this initiative.

The organizers also invite you to share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #CAAdoptAPetDay.

A chance to change one life... or five thousand

In the midst of a national homeless animal crisis, every adoption counts. This Saturday, thousands of dogs, cats, and other animals will be waiting for a second chance. What if that new beginning starts with you?