Virginia Loves Shelter Animals Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Virginia Loves Shelter Animals Month

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia values the lives of dogs and cats as demonstrated by the adoption of 71,000 dogs and cats in 2023; and

WHEREAS, "No-Kill"is a community philosophy and commitment to saving every healthy or treatable dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved and striving for at least 90% of the companion animals that enter its facilities to leave alive; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's animal shelters will achieve the "No-Kill"standard if an additional 0.1% of Virginians seeking a pet choose to adopt from a shelter rather than purchase, which would make Virginia the largest "No-Kill"state to date; and

WHEREAS, many loving and healthy animals are waiting for homes in shelters and rescues throughout Virginia, and many Virginia shelters implement proven programs and policies to provide alternatives to the unnecessary killing of dogs and cats; and

WHEREAS, adoption provides dogs and cats a second chance at life, helps reduce the strain on overcrowded shelters, promotes pet adoption, supports animal welfare, and encourages responsible pet ownership within the community; and

WHEREAS, Virginians should work together to achieve "No-Kill"in the Commonwealth in 2025, and animal shelters can do this by employing lifesaving programs such as foster care networks; adoption programs; medical and behavioral programs; public education and awareness programs; and animal socialization programs to prioritize lifesaving;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 2024, as VIRGINIA LOVES SHELTER ANIMALS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.