Adoptable dogs, cats in Kentucky

It’s National Adopt an Animal Shelter Day. The annual celebration on April 30 focuses on raising awareness for shelter animals and encouraging people to adopt when possible.

There are also plenty of other ways to participate in National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, such as volunteering at or donating to a local shelter. This is what we know:

Kentucky Animal Shelters: Support Louisville’s rescue animals with the Kentucky Derby 2024 fashion event.

When is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day 2024?

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day occurs every year on April 30, according to the National Day Calendar.

What is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day?

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day raises awareness for countless shelter animals in need of homes. Those who can care for a pet are encouraged to visit a local shelter and adopt.

If you can’t provide a home, there are other ways to help, such as volunteering and donating. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, nearly 6.3 million animals end up in shelters nationwide every year. According to Annie Wright Inkwell, these shelters spend $2 billion each year caring for the animals.

Donating money to a local shelter will help cover medical expenses, food costs, shelter and more. Volunteering or caring for an animal is also a good alternative. Volunteers increase an animal’s chances of being adopted and perform a variety of services due to the high intake of animals, according to Marquette University.

Volunteer or donate to Kentucky Shelters

The Kentucky Humane Society, a nonprofit organization and the largest pet adoption agency in the state, often relies on the community for support. More than 6,000 animals were adopted in 2022, according to an annual report from the Kentucky Humane Society. 525 foster parents helped save more than 2,500 animals, and more than 300 people volunteered more than 12,000 hours for the organization.

With a strict euthanasia policy and saving 96% of animals by 2023, the bills can be high. During the fiscal year from October 2021 to September 2022, the Kentucky Humane Society spent nearly $7.5 million on pet programming and services. The organization has an operating budget of approximately $9 million and spends the remainder on fundraising and administrative costs.

Other shelters in Kentucky include the Lexington Humane Society, KY Hopeful Paws and Louisville Metro Animal Services.

Adoptable Dogs in Kentucky

Here are just a few adoptable dogs at the Kentucky Humane Society in honor of National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. The organization has various locations and some are located in a foster family. Potential adopters can visit shelters during regular hours for meet-and-greets and can register online here to become adopters in a foster home.

Leland

Leland is a 2-year-old retriever and great Pyrenees mix, described as “happy-go-lucky” by staff with a penchant for leisurely walks and displaying commands. He is dog sociable and would thrive in a home without cats, small animals and small children. Leland was brought to the shelter on October 19. He is currently in a foster home and potential adopters can apply online. His adoption fees have been waived.

Lenny

Lenny is a 2-year-old Weimaraner mix available for adoption at the 241 Steedly Drive location in Louisville. His adoption fees were waived and he was taken to the shelter on February 7. He is dog sociable and loves long naps and learning new tricks. The staff describes him as goofy, loyal and eager to learn. Lenny would do best in a home without cats, small children and small animals.

Deebo

Deebo is a 7-year-old beagle and lab mix who loves exploring outside and showing off treats. Brought to the shelter on March 3, the staff describes him as relaxed and ready to match your energy. His adoption fees have been waived and although he is sociable, he would do best in a home without cats or small children. He is currently living in a foster home. Apply online if interested.

Sid

Sid is a 2-year-old pit bull and terrier mix with a waived adoption fee at the 241 Steedly Drive location. He is dog sociable and described as affectionate, attentive and wimpy. He was brought to the shelter on February 13 and loves playing with other dogs and games involving chasing and interacting with his human.

Tipper

Kipper is a 1.5-year-old husky mix who loves running outside, making new friends and taking sniffer walks. He is dog sociable and would do best in a home without cats or other small animals. Staff describe him as lively and friendly with a zest for life. He was brought to the shelter on February 17 and has an adoption fee waiver. He’s at the shelter at 241 Steedly Drive.

Georgia

Georgia is a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix with a love of walking, retrieving and zooming around. Employees describe her as a fetch-aholic with a cheerful personality. She was brought to the shelter on February 1st and would do best as an only pet in a home. Her adoption fees have been waived and she is at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Layla

Layla is a 10.5-year-old Labrador retriever mix who wants to spend her retirement years with a fun, caring family. She loves walking, being outdoors and a comfortable bed. She was brought to the shelter on November 4 and would do best in a home without children or dogs. Adoption to a home with a male dog after a meet-and-greet is possible. Her adoption fees have been waived and she is at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Layla bug

Layla Bug is a 5-year-old mastiff mix who loves walks and cuddles. She is described as a sweetheart who is looking for a human to help her on her weight loss journey. She was brought to the shelter on February 10 and would do best in a home without children or dogs. Adoption to a home with a male dog after a meet-and-greet is possible. Her adoption fees have been waived and she is currently in foster care. If interested, please apply online.

Jackie Boy

Jackie Boy is a 1-year-old Australian cattle dog-terrier mix who was brought to the shelter on February 13. He is described as cuddly, energetic and fun with a love of walking, belly rubs and testing his speed. He is dog sociable, but meet-and-greets are required. His adoption fees have been waived and he is at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Blaid

Blaid is a 5-month-old Shepherd mix who loves sniffing walks, running around the garden and licking mats. The staff describes him as sweet, sensitive and loving. He is dog sociable and meet-and-greets are encouraged. His adoption fee is $200 and he is at the shelter 241 Steedly Drive. He has been at the shelter since March 7.

Coconut

Coco is a 1.5-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix who loves walking, driving and playing fetch. He is described as sweet, a great walker on a leash and calm. Meet-and-greets are required for dogs and children. He was taken to the shelter on April 5 and his adoption fee was waived. He’s at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Adoptable Cats in Kentucky

Here are some of the Kentucky Humane Society’s adoptable cats:

Sally

Sally is a 7 year old domestic shorthair who loves to sleep, cuddle and eat. The staff describes her as chubby, loving and vocal. She would be best as the only pet with a human to help her lose a few pounds. She was brought to the shelter on April 6 and has a $30 adoption fee at the 1000 Lyndon Lane shelter in Louisville.

June Austin

Junie Austin stays true to her name by expressing “Pride & Prejudice” and “Sense & Sensibility” and loves to play and headbutt. She is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair, who prefers to be the only cat in the house. Smaller and calmer dogs are okay. She was brought to the shelter on January 18 and has an adoption fee waiver at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location.

Kayla

Kayla is a 6-year-old domestic calico shorthair who loves feather toys and running into people’s legs. She would do well in a home with other cats, but a slow introduction is necessary. She also needs someone to help her with her medical needs as she has chronic herpes. She was brought to the shelter on March 12 and has a $75 adoption fee at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Janie

Janie is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair tabby who loves feather ruffling, chasing, pouncing and playing hide and seek. She prefers a home with older children and someone who can care for her medical needs with a diagnosis of chronic herpes. She was brought to the shelter on December 7 and was given an adoption fee waiver at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Gracie

Gracie is a 9-year-old domestic shorthair who loves lounging, chin scratching and cat-friendly heating pads. The staff describes her as a lazy and loving girl who prefers to be the only pet in the house. She would also do best without children and with a human who can help her lose weight. She was brought to the shelter on February 17 and has a $30 adoption fee at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Hamilton and Burr

Hamilton and Burr are a pair of domestic shorthair tabbies available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location. The two males are 6 years old and love to cuddle on their laps and play. They are an independent and balanced duo who are looking for a home without children. Both have lived with dogs. They were brought to the shelter on February 29 and the adoption fees for the two were waived.

Archimedes

Archimedes is a 5-year-old domestic shorthair tabby who is described as sweet, friendly and a purring machine. He likes quiet time, being playful and being spoiled. He was brought to the shelter on March 6 and prefers to be the only animal in the house. His adoption fee is $75 and he is at the 241 Steedly Drive location.

Googles

Googles is a 13 year old domestic shorthair looking for a quiet place for his retirement days. He was brought to the shelter on March 11 and is available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location for $30. He is described as reliable and affectionate and enjoys bird watching and sunbathing.

Tatum

Tatum is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair who is described as vocal and affectionate. He is a leg and tail amputation survivor and loves peace and patience from his people. He would do best in a home without dogs or children and can live with other cats but is usually independent. He is available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location. The adoption fee is $75 and he was brought to the shelter on March 10.

Sue Dillon

Sue Dillon is a three-year-old domestic shorthair who was brought to the shelter on March 30. She is described as sweet, confident and self-confident, and enjoys head pats and slow introductions. She is at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location and has a $75 adoption fee. The staff says she would do well in any home.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a 7-year-old domestic shorthair tabby available for adoption at the 1000 Lyndon Lane location. He likes to scratch his head and be close to his people, but he is still gaining confidence. He is FIV+ and needs a home that takes his medical needs into account. Peppermint was brought to the shelter on April 8 and there is a $5 adoption fee.