Every year on April 30th, we celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day — a heart-tugging reminder of the millions of animals in shelters waiting for a second chance, a warm bed, and a forever family.
At Cogs Dogs, this day is personal.
It’s not just about sharing cute photos (although we’re 1000% here for that too). It’s about raising awareness, driving action, and showing up for the dogs who haven’t yet found their people — dogs just like the ones who inspired our entire brand.
Why National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day Matters
According to the ASPCA, over 6.3 million animals enter shelters across the U.S. each year — and around 3.1 million of them are dogs. Sadly, many of these amazing pups never get adopted. That’s why this day exists:
👉 To remind us that adoption saves lives.
👉 To spotlight the shelters doing incredible work.
👉 And to rally our community around something that matters deeply: giving animals the love they deserve.
You Don’t Have to Adopt to Make a Difference
We get it. Not everyone is in the position to adopt or even wants to have a dog (weird, but whatever 😉) — and that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help! Here are a few ways to celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day even if you’re not ready to bring home a new furry friend:
1. Volunteer at your local shelter. Walk dogs, clean kennels, or offer admin help. Every hour matters.
2. Donate supplies. Shelters are always in need of blankets, food, toys, or cleaning supplies. (And yep, money always helps too.)
3. Foster a pet. It gives a dog a break from the shelter and helps them get adopted faster.
4. Share adoptable pets on social media. You never know who’s looking for a new best friend.
Our Mission at Cogs Dogs
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know Cogs Dogs isn’t just about cute dog bandanas and fun designs (although we take those VERY seriously). We’re about making a real impact in the dog world — especially for senior dogs and those in need.
Our mission?
To help dog rescues and shelters however we can — through volunteering, fostering, donating, and using our platform to help as many dogs as possible find their forever homes.
We’ve fostered, cried during adoptions, cheered on our rescue partners, and worked to be more than just a brand — we want to be part of the solution.
The Dogs That Started It All
Cogs Dogs exists because of three very special rescue dogs: Champ, Diesel, and Bosley. They were our first seniors, our biggest teachers, and the very reasons this business was born. Every product we create, every post we share, and every shelter we support is rooted in the love we had (and will always have) for them.
Join the Movement 🐶
Whether you're adopting a pup, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word — you’re making a difference.
So, this National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, we encourage you to do one thing to support your local shelter. Big or small — it matters.
And if you're rocking a Cogs Dogs bandana while doing it? Even better. 😉
PS: Stay tuned…
Now that Susie is finally healed from back surgery, she’s heading back to one of her absolute favorite things — volunteering at the Nebraska Humane Society. Helping dogs in need is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so excited to get even more involved again.
Let’s make a difference, one paw at a time.
With love & pawsitivity,
Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom
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