On June 7, 2025, something extraordinary happened across California. Shelters throughout the state opened their doors for the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day, and thousands of incredible animals walked out with new families and bright futures.
This statewide adoption event brought together communities from every corner of California in an inspiring effort to showcase shelter animals. CalAnimals, the ASPCA, and the San Francisco SPCA partnered to host this event, and more than 200 shelter and rescue locations collaborated to make this day possible.
Final numbers show that 4,979 pets were adopted statewide! Our post-adoption survey found that nearly 45% of participants were first-time adopters, highlighting the event’s ability to grow the community of people who adopt from shelters.
From San Diego to Redding, shelters experienced unprecedented turnout with long lines of enthusiastic families eager to meet their potential new companions. Every animal that found a home on Saturday left the shelter fully prepared for their new life—vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. Thanks to generous support from the ASPCA, all adoption fees were waived, removing financial barriers that might prevent families from adopting.
Keep reading to learn more about this remarkable event that demonstrated the unique joy and companionship that shelter animals can bring to our lives.
Adopt-a-Pet Day at the SF SPCA
The SF SPCA experienced an unforgettable day that shattered all previous single-day adoption records. Starting early Saturday morning, pre-registered kitten adopters lined up around the block, eager to meet our available kittens. The response was overwhelming—all our 91 adorable kittens found loving homes, representing more than two-thirds of our total adoptions for the day.
At 11am, we opened our doors to the public. Families filed into our adoption center, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. At the end of the day, 140 animals found loving homes—an all-time single-day adoption record for our organization. These adoptions at our shelter represented an 80% increase compared to last year’s event. Each successful adoption filled our team with joy, knowing these animals would bring immeasurable happiness to their new families.
A growing movement for adoptions
Every year, millions of Americans welcome new pets into their homes. However, according to recent research by CalAnimals, only about 30% of these pets come from shelters and rescues. We’re working to change this statistic because shelters are filled with exceptional animals waiting to be discovered.
Shelters across California reported bustling adoption centers as local communities turned out in remarkable numbers to meet their future furry family members. California Adopt-a-Pet Day represents more than a single day of celebration—it’s a movement that highlights the incredible animals available at local shelters. When you visit a shelter, you’ll encounter dogs who love adventure, cats with unique personalities, and countless other amazing animals looking for love.
Most importantly, you don’t need to wait for a special event to find your new best friend. Your local shelter has wonderful animals available year-round, each with their own personality and potential to become your perfect companion.
California Adopt-a-Pet Day serves as a powerful reminder of the joy and fulfillment that shelter animals bring to our lives. To learn more, visit CAAdoptAPetDay.org.