Adopt a Shelter Pet Day: The benefits of adoption and why you shouldn't rush the process and last updated 2021-04-30 09:03:04-04 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - There's a day for everything and Friday, April 30 is a big one for local animal shelters. It's Adopt a Shelter Pet Day! Shelter operations supervisor Jessica Wilde tells News 3 the shelter has dogs, cats and other animals, like pet rats, available. But don't let the weekend deal rush you into making a decision. After all, bringing a new pet into your home is a big deal. "Be open to meeting some animals, do some matchmaker appointments that a lot of shelters are offering and wait until you see that one that really connects with you," she said.