On National Dog Day, Peninsula SPCA works to find permanent homes for shelter dogs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Tell the world about your fur baby and show off as many pictures as you like -- National Dog Day is Wednesday, August 26!

According to nationaldogday.com, National Dog Day was founded in 2004 as a way to recognize all dogs, pure breed and mixed breed. It also aims to shed light on the number of dogs needing rescuing each year.

The Peninsula SPCA, a no-kill shelter in Newport News, says during COVID-19 it's focused on finding as many fur-ever homes for shelter dogs as possible, even with fewer dollars coming in.

"Our impact was directly to our fundraising. We are community funded and we unfortunately had to cancel our big Fur Ball event back in March and it's looking like our big Fall event, Barktoberfest, that's also not going to happen," said Jodi Dean, Marketing and Community Relations Manager for Peninsula SPCA.

Dean tells News 3 that early on during the pandemic, Peninsula SPCA saw an increase in adoptions and fostering cases, but now, the numbers are starting to come back down.

She hopes people looking to add a dog to their family will consider adoption.

"You're gonna get a great dog and you get to choose the dog's age that fits your family and lifestyle," said Dean. "The shelters are brimming with healthy, happy pets and most of them didn't end up there because they did something wrong. It's because of a human problem."

Right now, because of COVID-19, the Peninsula SPCA is closed to visitors and adoptions are appointment only Prospective owners can get inside the building where they will be put into a closed room where they can remove their mask and get to know a dog.

With adoption fees at the Peninsula SPCA ranging from $75 to $200, someone looking for a dog will likely leave the shelter having spent far less than if they visited a breeder. You'll also have a lot of first-month veterinary costs covered. Dogs from the Peninsula SPCA are already spayed or neutered, have their microchips and their shots.

But from there, it's the owner's responsibility.

Dean says being able to financially take care of a dog is just one thing to consider before adding one to your family.

"There are lots of things to consider when you're ready to add a dog to your home. First, do you have the time and space? That's really important to consider. Do you have the patience? It's a long haul commitment, it's not an overnight decision. And, do you have the funds?," she said.

But the SPCA understands, especially now, some are down on their luck.

During COVID-19, the shelter's food pantry has gotten busier and there are other programs that can help owners make ends meet before considering the painful decision to surrender their fur baby.

"You want to give it a lot of consideration. Is it a communication issue? Is it a financial issue? There's other resources out there before you say, 'oh, I have to give up my dog'," said Dean.

For more information about pet adoption and resources for owners, visit the Peninsula SPCA website.

Remember to email a picture of your dog for National Dog Day to pics@wtkr.com!

Check out the News 3 National Dog Day photo gallery!