The California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announced the return of California Adopt-a-Pet Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The third annual event builds on two consecutive years of impactful results. When California Adopt-a-Pet Day launched in 2024, 3,609 animals found loving homes—far outpacing initial goals. In 2025, animal welfare organizations adopted out 4,979 pets in a single day. This year, organizers are aiming to clear 5,000 adoptions for the first time.
Animal shelters across California will offer fee-waived adoptions, with the ASPCA providing grants to underwrite fees at most participating organizations. Last year, nearly 150 shelters participated across the state.
“Two years in, California Adopt-a-Pet Day is proving what we’ve always known: When people walk through the doors of their local shelters, they discover just how easy it is to adopt—and inevitably find a cherished new member of their family,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals.
She continued, “Nearly 5,000 animals found homes last June. This year, we’re aiming to surpass that milestone, and shelters across California are ready to make it happen.”
Of the 4,979 animals adopted on last year’s California Adopt-a-Pet Day, 2,847 were cats, 1,900 were dogs and 231 were rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals. Of the adopters, 46% were doing so for the very first time. Animals of all breeds, ages and sizes are available at participating shelters, all of which routinely vaccinate, spay/neuter and microchip animals before adoption.
The event comes as animal shelters nationwide continue to face ongoing capacity pressures from staffing shortages, limited pet-friendly housing and a lack of affordable veterinary care. In 2025, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. animal shelters and rescue organizations. California Adopt-a-Pet Day was designed in part as a direct response to these challenges, removing cost as a barrier to adoption and drawing attention to the animals most in need of homes.
California Adopt-a-Pet Day is 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 generously supported by the San
Francisco SPCA and the ASPCA, the longest-standing animal welfare organization in North America.
The California Adopt-a-Pet Day website has an interactive map, making it easy for residents to find nearby participating animal shelters leading up to the event.
To learn more, please visit caadoptapetday.org and use #caadoptapetday on social media to see the latest updates.
Local participating shelters
Ohlone Humane Society
Pet Food Express
39010 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
City of Fremont Tri-City Animal Shelter
1950 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
Humane Society Silicon Valley
901 Ames Ave., Milpitas
