MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — There’s a nationwide effort underway that’s all about saving animals. And it got started right here in the Twin Cities.

Pets and their owners kicked off the effort known as “Law of the Paw” in Golden Valley Wednesday. It asks animal lovers to make three simple promises.

That’s to first adopt. Then spay or neuter. And finally make sure your pets have an ID.

“When you commit to live by ‘law of the paw,’ you’re not only helping individual animals but you end up helping thousands of animals in our community and in communities across the country,” said Janelle Dixon, president and CEO of the Animal Humane Society in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Organizers say right now only 20 percent of all pets are adopted from shelters.