With a new president now in office, it means we will once again have a president that has pets residing in the White House. Donald Trump was one of only two presidents who did not own any pets while in office, but President Joe Biden has resumed the tradition, as he is bringing his two dogs with him to the White House: Major and Champ Biden. 

While German Shepherd Champ became a part of the Biden Family in 2008, Major was adopted by the family more recently, in 2018. Biden chose to adopt Major from a Humane Society, which makes Major the first rescue pup to ever preside in the White House.

 On Dec. 17, the Delaware Humane Association, where the Biden’s rescued him from, held a virtual fundraiser to help raise money for other shelter animals and  find them new and loving homes amid the pandemic. Over 7400 users joined the fundraiser and more than $200,000 was raised for the Humane Association. 

Due to the pandemic, adoption rates at pet shelters have gone up 15 percent as many have found comfort in a furry friend during the isolation of social distancing and quarantine. From a survey done by the American Pet Products Association, 67 percent of all American homes own a pet, and that number will most likely increase when they announce their new data for 2020.

With all of the controversy and chaos surrounding the inauguration of President Biden, raising money for an important cause like animal shelters brings a bit of positivity to the new transfer of power. Another possible First Pet addition may be a cat, since  FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden hinted about one  being added to the family. Unfortunately, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband currently have no pets and have not commented on if they are planning to get any during her time in office.