Unfortunately, there are homeless animals all around the world who struggle each day to find shelter, food, and love. In our everyday lives, we may not encounter these homeless animals daily, but that doesn’t change the staggering number of them not only in the United States, but around the world. Shelters, rescues, and organizations are working tirelessly each day to find these animals’ homes, medical care, and love.
In an attempt to bring attention to these animals and their plight, International Homeless Animals Day was created. If you’re unaware of this day, it falls on the 3rd Saturday of August each year. For 2023, International Homeless Animals Day falls on August 19th. This is when awareness, compassion, and love for animals around the world without homes will be shared worldwide. Read on below to learn more about this important day for animals so you can take part.
What Is International Homeless Animals Day All About?
Dogs, cats, and pets of all kinds have been parts of our lives and homes since we were young. Many of our fondest memories as children are of growing up with a pet in the home. Unfortunately, not every animal out there has those same memories. While dogs and cats have been a staple in our lives since man’s earlier days, that doesn’t mean they’ve always been treated well.
In fact, protection for animals didn’t begin until the 1870s. During this time they were seen as vulnerable creatures that needed to be looked after. However, when the 20th century rolled around, tougher regulations on the treatment of animals came into effect. That’s when we started to see animal cruelty regulations put into place and charges being filed against those who brought harm to animals. This was also when stricter regulations and guidelines were placed on rescue organizations and animal shelters to ensure the pets in their care were being treated accordingly.
It was the animal rights organizations, rescues, and animal shelters who began fighting for a change when it came to the growing homeless animal population. In the 1990s, the promotion of spaying and neutering went nationwide. Along with this promotion, attention was being brought to the growing homeless animal population all around the globe. In 1992, the International Society for Animal Rights created International Homeless Animals Day. Not only were they promoting spaying and neutering to control the number of homeless animals in the world, but they also hosted animal adoption events and other ways of sharing awareness for these animals in need.
Celebrating International Homeless Animals Day
Such an important day for animals around the world should be celebrated. The International Society for Animal Rights and other animal organizations are aware of this special day and host several events and activities to share awareness of the issues homeless animals face so animal lovers can step in and lend a helping hand.
Homeless animals who don’t find their way into a shelter or rescue are left on the streets to fend for themselves. They search for food, companionship, shelter, and love daily. These dumped, lost, and abandoned pets didn’t ask for this kind of life. By celebrating International Homeless Animals Day and doing your part, you can help make life better for many animals without a family of their own.
Donations and Volunteering
One of the easiest ways to help homeless animals is by donating to the cause. Local shelters, rescues, and other organizations face astronomical bills when it comes to caring for the animals they take in. Not only do they feed, bathe, and care for these animals, but they also supply medical care to ensure they live the best life possible. To help with this, small donations each month are needed. You’ll also find that blankets, toys, pet beds, towels, cleaning supplies, and pet food are always needed.
However, money and items aren’t the only donations that help. Sparing a bit of your time to spend with the animals is another incredible way you can help. You can even volunteer to walk the dogs, play with the cats, or even help feed and water the animals. Cleaning and other daily chores are often neglected if enough volunteers don’t step up to help. You can even volunteer by helping share awareness for this special day and your local shelter’s needs. Take to social media or make signs, whatever you feel will reach the most people.
Adoption and Fostering
If you’re looking to add a new pet to your home, visiting your local shelter or rescue is a great way to make a difference in not only your life but in the life of a homeless animal as well. You’ll find hundreds of homeless animals that would make ideal pets just waiting to find a home. While International Homeless Animals Day is a great time to do this, at any point through the year when you feel a new family friend is in order, adoption is the greatest way to not only make your family complete but to make a difference.
Fostering animals is another amazing way to celebrate International Homeless Animals Day and make a difference in the lives of animals without a place to go. Speak to the team at your local shelter or rescue and explain your situation. They’ll find an animal that needs to be loved and cared for that would fit perfectly into your home. You’ll care for them while the shelter tries to find them a forever home where they’ll experience all the love and care you’ve been providing them.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering your animals is the best thing you can do to help control the pet population. If you haven’t done this, there’s no better time than International Homeless Animals Day to show your support. If your animals are altered, consider speaking with your local agencies about hosting a spay and neuter clinic to help support homeless animals.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, International Homeless Animals Day is a special day in the lives of so many pets around the world. Whether you have the means to adopt a new pet and give them a home or not, you can still make the most of this day. Get out in your community and help share awareness of how important it is to help homeless animals in your area. You can make a difference and share the importance of helping these special animals.
Featured Image Credit: Nothing Ahead, Pexels
