![Puppies playing: Image: Shutterstock Puppies playing: Image: Shutterstock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/180164150/47efbc7f-115c-4337-83cc-9a8553481cf6.jpg/r0_156_3050_1871_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
National Puppy Day on March 23 is all about celebrating our canine friends and shining a spotlight on adoption.
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The annual day was launched in the US but has become popular everywhere, with the hope of giving rescued and surrendered dogs another chance.
According to PetRescue's state of adoption report, the number of dogs looking for homes in Australia rose by 3.2 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year.
In 12 months, 16,915 dogs were marked as adopted on the platform, with NSW leading the way in highest adoptions, followed by Queensland and Victoria.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Lort Smith Adoption Centre in Melbourne cares for animals for as long as it takes to find them a loving home.
Manager Amanda Doolan told ACM "when you adopt an animal you're giving them another chance at life".
These puppies could be yours
Burgundy was at a rural pound before he came into the care of the Animal Welfare League of Queensland's Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre.
The three-month-old Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog mix is from all reports full of energy and loves a snuggle.
![Three-month-old Burgundy is looking for loving home. Picture by Animal Welfare League of Queensland. Three-month-old Burgundy is looking for loving home. Picture by Animal Welfare League of Queensland.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/206436302/ac45cdb8-c1ce-4834-9e54-2990c3449d5f.jpeg/r0_14_1080_622_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Peach is three-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who was surrendered with her siblings to Lort Smith Adoption Centre in Melbourne.
Her brothers have been adopted and are settling in to their new homes, but Peach is still waiting to find a loving new family.
![Peach's siblings have been adopted but she is still waiting. Picture by Lort Smith Adoption Centre. Peach's siblings have been adopted but she is still waiting. Picture by Lort Smith Adoption Centre.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/206436302/c889bb6a-1bbd-460c-a187-fbe6d147108e.jpg/r0_43_1024_620_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Australian Kelpie Argus is 10 months old and in foster care waiting to be adopted through RSPCA NSW.
He's a fun-loving dog, but takes time to come out of his shell with new people.
![Argus, 10 months, is in foster care waiting for a permanent home. Picture by RSPCA NSW. Argus, 10 months, is in foster care waiting for a permanent home. Picture by RSPCA NSW.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/206436302/332e79ec-6520-4209-99d0-b7664f690155.jpg/r0_0_1536_2048_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Where to adopt
Those looking to adopt a new best friend can check out local council animal shelters or rescue charities in their community such as the RSPCA, Animal Welfare Leagues or search for a provider in their area online at PetRescue.