LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County residents are encouraged to take home a new friend this weekend as part of a special event meant to help move more pets out of shelters locally and across the state.

The California Animal Welfare Association, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have announced the first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day, taking place on Saturday, June 1.

The statewide adoption day will feature more than 150 California animal welfare sites offering free adoptions to find homes for 2,024 shelter pets.

Among the participating shelters is Lake County Animal Care and Control.

“Mark your calendars for June 1st, 2024, as we embark on a groundbreaking journey – the inaugural California Adopt A Pet Day! Let's come together to give our shelter animals the love and care they deserve. With the support of ASPCA and CalAnimals, all adoptions on this day will be complimentary,” Animal Care and Control said on its Facebook page.

Lake County Animal Care and Control has 35 dogs and one cat listed for adoption on its website.

“Let's make a difference and find happy homes for our shelter animals. Together, we can make a positive impact!” Animal Care and Control said.

The ASPCA will provide funds to cover the cost of free adoptions at participating shelters.

“California shelters are facing enormous pressures due to overcrowding conditions, as the number of animals entering shelters is outpacing those leaving,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. “By increasing adoption demand and encouraging pet-ready families to visit their local shelter first, we can make a change. This unprecedented and collaborative statewide effort can help reduce the number of animals in our shelters while also providing loving, caring families for our most vulnerable pets. There has never been a better time or better selection of incredible animals ready for new homes, and we know the people of California will rise to this Challenge.”

The large influx of animals being brought into shelters in recent years is due to a severe nationwide shortage of veterinary professionals as well as a confluence of other factors, such as inflation and pet-friendly housing restrictions.

Many communities in California do not have access to affordable veterinary care, including spay and neuter services.

“Shelters are such integral parts of our communities—we are where families find their next cat or dog or get treatment for their beloved pets—and now we are asking for the community’s help,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “By working together, we can find homes for thousands of animals throughout the state. Californians are famous for their compassion, empathy, and care. California Adopt-a-Pet Day is a perfect time to put those emotions into action.”

“Shelters in California and around the country are facing an overcrowding crisis that requires the support and collaboration of national and local organizations working together with communities to help our most vulnerable animals,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO for ASPCA. “The lifesaving impact of our collective efforts will be felt by the animals, the participating organizations, and communities across the state."

California Adopt-a-Pet Day is being managed by CalAnimals, an organization that focuses on the success of California animal welfare and sheltering organizations in meeting the needs of animals and people in their communities.

The initiative is being generously supported by the SF SPCA, a nonprofit that works in San Francisco, the Central Valley, and across California to ensure that every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home, and the ASPCA, the longest-standing animal welfare organization in North America that works on the frontlines to save, transform, and protect the lives of millions of dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals in the fight against animal cruelty and homelessness.

To find a participating animal shelter in California Adopt-a-Pet Day, please visit https://caadoptapetday.org.

For more information about the local adoption effort, contact Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.