ASPCA Calls on the Public to Join the Rescue Effect During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

The ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign, supported by Subaru, celebrities and public figures, encourages pet adoption and provides critical support to shelters nationwide

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), in partnership with Subaru of America, Inc. and its retailers nationwide, is encouraging the public to adopt or foster as part of The Rescue Effect, a national campaign to help more animals find loving homes. Launched in August and continuing through the end of October, hundreds of shelters and rescues across the country are participating in the campaign, which aims to engage more adopters and reduce the time animals spend waiting for homes. The ASPCA provided $2 million in grant funding for this year's Rescue Effect campaign to help 200 participating shelters waive adoption fees and support their operating costs.

Many shelters across the country are at capacity with nearly three million dogs entering shelters and rescues in 2025, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in their care before being adopted. At the same time, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe that pets provide a multitude of benefits to their lives, including reducing loneliness and boosting happiness.

"Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is a perfect time to experience The Rescue Effect and the transformative power of bringing a shelter pet into your life," said Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA. "Shelters have dogs of all sizes, ages and personalities waiting to find a loving home, and every adoption has an impact beyond one animal. By adopting, you create space and resources for shelters to help others in need, and if you're not ready to adopt, fostering is another lifesaving way to make a difference."

The Rescue Effect is supported by celebrities, public figures and social media influencers who are helping raise awareness about pet adoption and fostering, some including Bush frontman and actor Gavin Rossdale, Grammy-award winning superstar Megan Thee Stallion and her nonprofit The Pete & Thomas Foundation, "Scooby-Doo: Origins" star Maxwell Jenkins, actress Camilla Luddington, actress, author and dancer Nia Sioux, actress Maggie Q, retired Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Chris Taylor, television personality Susie Evans, and Wags & Walks Nashville founder and executive director Kathryn Hurley alongside television personality and podcaster Jason Tartick. The campaign also includes digital and social media video ads in select markets encouraging the public to adopt and support local shelters.

For 160 years, the ASPCA has worked to save, transform and protect animals in need as the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, providing animals with critical care, training animal welfare partners, supporting communities and shelters nationwide and shaping stronger laws. During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month this October, the ASPCA Adoption Center is participating in community events across New York City to introduce the public to available animals, including the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade alongside the ASPCA's long-time partner and Rescue Effect participant Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).

As part of the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, Subaru retailers across the country will provide more than $3 million in direct funding through ASPCA-administered grants to their local animal welfare partners in October, while hosting adoption and community events to support animals in need nationwide. The funding will support adoption preparation, veterinary expenses and other critical needs.

To learn more about the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign and find a participating shelter or rescue, visit aspca.org/therescueeffect. You can also adopt or foster an animal in the ASPCA's care in New York City, Los Angeles, Asheville, North Carolina or Columbus, Ohio, including dogs rescued from neglect and abuse or those who have overcome other challenges after receiving specialized care through the ASPCA's programs. Join the conversation on social media by using #TheRescueEffect and tagging the ASPCA or spread the word with one of the ASPCA's GIFs to encourage others to adopt a pet.

About the ASPCA®

The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For 160 years, we've been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

SOURCE ASPCA