Two of the United State's leading animal welfare organizations,  The Humane Society  and  Maddie's Fund , will collaborate with the Ad Council  on an initiative to encourage Americans to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters.

The goal is to encourage millions of pet lovers who are looking for a pet to make animal shelters and rescue groups their first choice, saving the life of a dog or cat in need, rather than buying from other sources.

"It will make a life-saving difference in securing loving homes for untold numbers of pets and get us closer to a no-kill nation," says Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society.