WHEREAS, California has a stated goal for all healthy, adoptable animals in shelters to find loving homes; and

WHEREAS, Due to the severe shortage of veterinary professionals, many areas of the state do not have adequate access to veterinary care in their communities; and

WHEREAS, California shelters are facing an increased intake of animals due to housing restrictions, economic inflation, and lack of access to veterinary care, specifically for spay and neuter services; and

WHEREAS, The California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), a statewide association advocating for animals and animal welfare professionals in California, has been leading the effort to confront these challenges; and

WHEREAS, CalAnimals has been joined in these endeavors by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which have both been at the forefront of animal welfare for more than 150 years; and

WHEREAS, These organizations have positively impacted the lives of millions of animals through their unwavering commitment to animal welfare and their strong connections to the communities that they serve; and

WHEREAS, To help address shelter overcrowding, CalAnimals, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will lead a campaign to promote a statewide adoption day with shelter partners in California; and

WHEREAS, That daylong event, called California Adopt-a-Pet Day, will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, with hundreds of shelters throughout the state hosting free local adoption events; and

WHEREAS, The goal is to find loving homes for 2,024 shelter animals on the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day; now, therefore, be it