As California prepares for the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 6, Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a letter officially recognizing the statewide event and its role in helping shelter animals find loving homes.
In the letter, Governor Newsom praised the state’s leadership in animal welfare, writing that “California has long been a leader in animal welfare, and we continue to set the standard by finding innovative, compassionate solutions to reduce animal overpopulation in shelters across our state and place animals in loving homes.”
The Governor also highlighted California Adopt-a-Pet Day as a statewide collaboration among CalAnimals, the San Francisco SPCA, and the ASPCA, bringing together shelters across California to promote adoption and reduce overcrowding. Since launching in 2024, California Adopt-a-Pet Day has helped thousands of animals find homes.
This official recognition reflects the growing momentum behind a movement that brings together shelters, rescue organizations, lawmakers, and communities to improve outcomes for animals throughout California.
The impact of animal advocacy
At the SF SPCA, that work extends beyond adoption events. Through our advocacy efforts, we work alongside partners and legislators to advance policies that expand access to veterinary care, increase spay/neuter capacity, support shelters, and strengthen protections for animals across the state. Earlier this year, the SF SPCA joined animal welfare organizations, advocates, and lawmakers in Sacramento for our fourth annual Animal Advocacy Day, where we championed legislation to address the most pressing challenges facing animals, pet guardians, and shelters today.
Governor Newsom’s letter recognizes that the work is far from over. “The mission to connect shelter animals in need of homes with caring families is ongoing,” he writes. “Together, we can continue to help tackle the pet overpopulation issue, with the result being thousands of loving relationships formed between Californians and their new family members, former shelter animals.”
Join us on June 6
We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, June 6, for the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. If you’ve been considering adoption, there’s never been a better time. Participating organizations across California will be offering waived adoption fees, making it easier than ever to welcome a new pet into your family.
Every adoption made on June 6 helps support a statewide movement to reduce shelter overcrowding and change lives through adoption. Visit your local participating shelter or rescue, meet adoptable animals, and join thousands of Californians coming together to make a difference. Your next best friend may be waiting.