Expressing support for the designation of the first full week of November as "National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week".

Whereas National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is observed annually during the first full week of November to recognize the important contributions of animal shelters and the people who support them;

Whereas animal shelters serve as critical community resources, providing refuge, humane care, and protection for lost, abandoned, neglected, and surrendered animals;

Whereas dedicated shelter employees, veterinary professionals, behavioral specialists, and animal care and control personnel work to protect the health, safety, and well-being of animals in need;

Whereas volunteers, foster families, animal rescue organizations, and community members generously contribute their time and resources to support animal shelters and the animals in their care;

Whereas many animal shelters offer community programs, including veterinary services, vaccinations, spay-and-neuter, pet food assistance, and educational initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership;

Whereas these programs help families keep their pets during periods of hardship and preserve the human-animal bond;

Whereas animal shelters reunite lost pets with their families and provide animals with a second chance at life through adoption and foster care programs;

Whereas community adoption events bring together animal shelters, volunteers, local organizations, and prospective adopters to raise awareness of pets in need and match companion animals with new families; and

Whereas animal shelters and their community partners play important roles in protecting animals affected by cruelty, neglect, natural disasters, and other emergencies: Now, therefore, be it

supports the designation of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week ; recognizes and commends animal shelter employees, volunteers, foster caregivers, rescue organizations, and community partners for their dedication to the health and well-being of pets; (3) recognizes the important role of animal shelters in strengthening communities, supporting the human-animal bond, and helping animals find safe and permanent homes; (4) encourages individuals and communities to support their local animal shelters through adoption, fostering, volunteering, participation in adoption events, and charitable contributions; and (5) encourages continued public awareness of and support for animal shelters and the essential services they provide to animals, families, and communities across the United States.