Summer is the busiest time of year for animal shelters. At Pasadena Humane, we see the highest number of animals come in during these warmer months, many of them in urgent need of care and a new home.

To kick off the season, we’re holding our first big Free Adoption Day of the year this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The goal is simple: find great homes for as many pets as possible. Every adoption helps open up space for more animals who need our help.

What makes this year especially exciting is that it’s part of a statewide campaign called California Adopt-a-Pet Day, sponsored by the San Francisco SPCA, CalAnimals, and the ASPCA. More than 150 shelters across California are joining forces to find homes for pets in need.

They say there is power in numbers, which is certainly true for a campaign like this one. Collaborating with animal welfare organizations across the state highlights the importance of adoption and the human-animal bond.

Free adoption events like ours have been used successfully by shelters nationwide for more than a decade. Still, we sometimes hear concerns that waiving fees might lead to poor outcomes for pets. The data, and our own experience, tell a different story.

Studies show that adopters who take home pets from free events are just as committed. They provide the same level of care, regular vet visits, and affection as those who pay a fee. These are families who simply waited for the right moment to walk through the door.

And that’s what events like this do, they inspire people to take action.

Having worked at numerous large-scale adoption events, I can personally say that they bring out so many kind and wonderful people. Events like California Adopt-a-Pet Day motivate people who have been thinking about adopting to visit their local shelter.

On big event days, one of my favorite things to do is to meet people waiting in line to adopt. I love hearing who they intend to adopt and how they envision that pet completing their family.

This weekend, I’m hoping to hear the names of some of our wonderful pets like:

Nila (A519792): This gentle 8-year-old German Shepherd was found in the Lower Arroyo in February, emaciated and suffering from severe skin and ear infections. Thanks to our veterinary team, Nila now weighs over 70lbs, her coat is filling in, and she’s ready for a fresh start.

Galaxy (A521664): Galaxy is a 5-month-old kitten with special needs. He was found dragging his back legs, likely born that way, but he doesn’t let it slow him down. Energetic and social, Galaxy is looking for an adopter who can offer him the care he needs, and lots of playtime.

April (A521458): April is a sweet, spotted bunny found abandoned in a Pasadena park. Small pets like rabbits can’t survive on their own outdoors, but April is now safe and ready for a loving home where she’ll be treated as part of the family.

I hope you’ll consider stopping by this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our first big free adoption event of the year. As always, our adoption counselors will be on hand to help match you with a great fit for your family. All dogs and cats will be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped before they go home.Learn more at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.

Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org