A new declaration from the governor is putting a spotlight on pet adoption in Minnesota. Gov. Tim Walz is officially designating October as Shelter Animals Month.
It's a part of a larger initiative to make all Minnesota shelters strictly "no kill" as some local shelters have experienced an increase in animal surrenders according to the Animal Humane Society's Dr. Graham Brayshaw, who adds it's all hands on deck.
"The three big things that helps animal welfare organizations adopting, I would say, is A-number 1," says Brayshaw. "That's a home for an animal and a space for a new pets. Volunteering, including being a potentially a temporary foster home for an animal, and then on the final side of it, donating."
Right now, 58 of the state's 66 shelters already save at least 90% of their animals. Brayshaw argues that the few shelters not meeting that number often just lack the resources to get there.
"Thousands of loving and healthy animals are currently waiting in Minnesota shelters and rescues, and many organizations implement proven strategies to place companion animals in homes with Minnesotans," Walz wrote in his proclamation. "And adopting a pet from a shelter strengthens communities, eases the strain on shelters, and promotes compassionate and responsible pet ownership across Minnesota."
Brayshaw says while he's pleased to see the public shifting their attention to adoption, these benchmarks alone won't solve the problem, especially for rural shelters.
"The intent behind this, we love and we think it's great," he says. "And hitting a number and shooting for something that may be a no kill line, really does not give respect to those that might not be able to hit that percentage because of the community they're in."
According to data from Best Friends Animal Society, just 500 pets needed to be adopted in 2024 to get Minnesota to no-kill.