Sleepover At The Shelter Raises Funds For Spay/Neuter Programs

Lydia McNutt
by Lydia McNutt
Remember how much you loved sleepovers as a kid? The “Sleepover at the Shelter” fundraiser is like bunking with a barker – only it’s for a great cause, instead of embarrassing “Truth or Dare” challenges!


As far as Friday nights go, June 12 is really going to the dogs for a great cause. “Sleepover at the Shelter” is a fundraiser to raise awareness, adoptions, and money for much-needed spay and neuter programs. There are thousands of homeless pets currently confined to Los Angeles area animal shelters. The national TV series “Shelter Me,” Bark Avenue Foundation, ABC7 and the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation are partnering for the first-of-its-kind event that will see volunteers spend 24 hours in a “kennel” – in this case, three fenced yards adjacent to the dog kennels at the Downey Animal Care Center. The public can pledge money for the number of hours the volunteers spend “caged.”


Chew on this…


According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the average fertile dog can produce one litter per year, each with four to six puppies. When you think about how many stray dogs are out there, (the ASPCA estimates 542,000 homeless dogs enter the shelter system each year, and add to this all the dogs who dodge the “dog catcher”) that’s potentially a lot of puppies and one really big problem. Here’s one final stat to consider – only 10 per cent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered.


Related: All About Neutering Dogs


Ultimately, the goal of “Sleepover at the Shelter” is to reduce the animal shelter population by promoting adoption, helping lost pets find their way back home versus into the shelter system, and by preventing those unwanted “oops” litters that can end up on the streets or in rescue programs. The $30,000 goal will help foot the bill for 400 spay-neuter surgeries, microchips and vaccinations for pets.


After a long night of volunteers romping and ruffing it up with their puppy pals, the weekend will finish off with an adoption event at the Downey Animal Care Center on Saturday, June 13, where dogs, cats and rabbits will be eagerly awaiting their forever families and homes. Maybe it’s yours! Swing by and meet your furry match.


Related: All About Spaying Dogs


“We are thrilled that the Downey Animal Care Center was selected by our community partners for this fun event to highlight the wonderful companions waiting for new families,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of Los Angeles County’s Department of Animal Care and Control. “Increasing resources available to families for spay and neuter means fewer future pets will be in need of homes.”


How can you help?


Donate money by sponsoring a volunteer, or become a volunteer yourself and gear up for your stay at the doggy hotel! For more information, visit SleepoverAtTheShelter.com or follow the fundraiser on social media with the hashtag

Lydia McNutt
Lydia McNutt

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