There are over 70 million stray animals living in the United States. Of these animals, only around six to eight million make their way into animal shelters, and only a small fraction will be adopted into a forever home. As a result, millions of healthy, perfectly adoptable animals are put down every year. It is a heartbreaking reality, but the good news is that you can help put an end to this problem by always choosing to adopt an animal, over shopping for one.

Bellamy Young, also known as Mellie Grant in “Scandal,” knows first hand how wonderful adopting a pet can be. Young adopted her cat and dog from animal shelters and they have been an amazing addition to her life. Working with The Shelter Pet Project, a campaign from the Humane Society of the United States, Young is helping to break the shelter pet stigma and show the world how wonderful these animals truly are.

So, if you are thinking about bringing a new four-legged member into your family, check out The Shelter Pet Project. Adopt, don’t shop!