CLEVELAND — Ohio officially named "shelter pets" the state pet on Wednesday, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

The organization said that the designation will help raise public awareness for shelter animals and the shelters around the state full of pets waiting for their forever home.

The move comes thanks to the passing of Senate Bill 86, a bill created to enact special designations and declare historic sites throughout Ohio.

To learn more about adopting a pet from a shelter, click here .