Welcome to The Adopt Don’t Shop MVMT
- Elle McCall
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 15
By Elle McCall, President of The Adopt Don't Shop Movement
Forming this nonprofit and the programs behind it has been a dream of mine for over 10 years. Today, that dream is alive and thriving.
The Adopt Don’t Shop Movement is a growing community of passionate animal welfare advocates working toward one powerful vision: to make adoption the only option. We believe that every homeless pet deserves a second chance and that the adoption journey should be accessible, heart-centered, and truly transformative.
Every year in the U.S., 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized. Only 10% of dogs born will ever find permanent homes. Behind those numbers are real lives that could be saved if we reduce the demand for unethical breeding and embrace adoption as the natural, compassionate choice.
Our Mission
Elevate the adoption experience
At The Adopt Don’t Shop MVMT, we are redefining the adoption journey—making it accessible, heart-centered, and transformative. Every homeless pet deserves a second chance, and we’re building a movement that turns adoption into a powerful act of compassion, connection, and community.
Through education, collaboration, and community-driven efforts, we break barriers that prevent animals from finding their forever homes.
By empowering shelters, uniting advocates, and showcasing adoption as the most compassionate choice, we aim to inspire a future where every pet finds love, respect, and care.
Our Vision
Make adoption the only option
Our vision is to revolutionize the future of pet adoption—where choosing adoption is not just the first option, but the only one. We’re creating a world where compassion leads, shelters stand empty, and every animal finds a loving home.
We envision a future where adoption is celebrated as the gold standard of pet ownership, driven by innovation, education, and community-powered action. Through technology, storytelling, and real-world experiences, we’re building a movement that makes it easier, more inspiring, and more rewarding than ever to adopt. Because every animal deserves a chance—and together, we’re rewriting what’s possible.
How We’re Creating Change
We believe education is empowerment, and community is the key to ending the cycle of homelessness for shelter pets. Through our signature programs, we:
Bring adoption into the community through events like Dog Voyage, Puppies & Pilates, and Pups & Cups.
Match people to their dream dog with The Pawfect Match, a personalized adoption experience.
Increase visibility for adoptable pets with creative outreach like Puppies in the Window, Puppy Parties, and Adoption Ambassadors.
Inspire future advocates through programs like Furever Friends in schools.
Break the stigma around shelter pets with face-to-face outreach in malls, markets, and high-traffic spaces.
Each program is designed to save lives, reduce demand for unethical breeding, and show the world that adoption is not just an option—it’s an act of love, community, and change.
I am deeply grateful to the friends, colleagues, volunteers, our board members, and supporters who have rallied behind this vision. This movement belongs to all of us who believe adoption is the best option. By embracing and driving a change in how we view pet adoption in our society, we can secure the future for millions of animals.
If you’ve ever wondered how to help create a world where every pet has a home, this is your chance. Join the movement. Speak up. Share the stories. Choose adoption.
Welcome to The Adopt Don’t Shop Movement. I’m so glad you’re here.
Lauren "Elle" McCall
President
Adopt Don't Shop Movement
Be Part of the Movement
At The Adopt Don’t Shop MVMT, we’re on a mission to make adoption the only option—because every pet deserves a loving home. Together, we can save lives, end the cycle of homelessness, and inspire compassionate choices in every community.
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