Change A Pet's Life Day

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” These words from the classical Greek philosopher Socrates ring true today as cat lovers focus their energy on building a better tomorrow for our feline friends in need on Change A Pet’s Life Day.

A visually striking cat in the center of the image, looking directly at the camera with an engaging expression. The background features a friendly and welcoming animal shelter environment, with kennels, toys, and a cozy atmosphere.

When is Change A Pet’s Life Day?

Celebrated since 2009, this pet holiday takes place each year on January 24th.

What is Change A Pet’s Life Day?

From its humble beginnings as a one-time pet adoption event, Change A Pet’s Life Day has blossomed into a nationwide annual tribute to shelter animals and ways that we, as fans of felines and dog devotees, can help in their search to find a forever home.

How Can I Take Part?

There are many ways to change a homeless cat or dog’s life for the better, among them:

Adopt

If you are pondering the prospect of becoming a pet parent, pay a visit to your local animal shelter or rescue organization to find your new fur baby, rather than turning to a breeder.

You can also meet your new four-legged family member check at a special pet adoption event in your area.

Foster

If adopting a cat or dog is not on the horizon, you can welcome a shelter animal into your heart and home for a short stay. Fostering offers adoptables a much needed break from the noise and boredom of shelter life, and provides staff with useful information about a cat or dog’s true personality away from the confines of the shelter.

Most importantly, fostering often saves lives of both the animal you have temporarily taken in and the homeless pet who now has a place at the shelter thanks to a cage made empty by your caring act.

Donate

Monetary contributions are always needed, but you can also choose to donate supplies. Many animal shelters and rescues have posted a wish list of items that frequently need replenishing; others have Amazon wish lists to make ordering extra easy.

You can also check a shelter’s social media pages for posts that mention any urgent need for certain products.

Volunteer

If your financial situation stops you from making a monetary contribution, or if you want to donate more than just money, give the gift of your time and sign up to be a volunteer at your local shelter!

Laundering cozy blankets, socializing stray kittens or taking adorable photos of adoptables can all help homeless cats and canines in their search for a forever family to love.

Sponsor

See if your local shelter or rescue has a sponsor program! Your monthly donation will help to care for one cat or dog’s needs during their shelter stay.

Purchase

If you love to shop, visit a thrift store operated by a shelter or rescue! The money raised from such businesses go toward helping animals in the shelter’s care.

DIY

Put your special skills to good use! Crafters can create brightly-colored a cardboard cat scratcher, cat wands, pet blankets, cat beds, “Adopt Me” bandanas for dogs, toys and more!

Spread the Word

Use your social media channels to showcase shelter pets! Simply share photos from AdoptAPet, PetFinder or 24petconnect, including the shelter’s location and any information about the adoptable cat or dog in your post!