International Homeless Animals Day is a holiday that falls on the third Saturday in August every year. Its goal is simple: to raise public awareness about the homeless pet population worldwide so that effective solutions for the issue of animal homelessness can be developed.

According to the latest statistics, approximately 600 million cats and dogs are homeless, with about 70 million of them in the United States alone. Of those 70 million in the U.S., only about 6 million will ever make it into a shelter for a chance at a better life.

Even fewer will ever find a forever home. This situation is unacceptable and needs to be addressed, and this holiday is the first step toward addressing the homeless pet problem globally.

The History of International Homeless Animals Day

The International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) conceived and created International Homeless Animals Day in 1992. Although the holiday started with just a whimper, it has become more popular every year.

Each year, the ISAR organizes various events to highlight the issue of pet homelessness on this day. These events include adopt-a-thons, dog walks, and other special events.

Some Important Facts About Pet Homelessness

Below are just a few facts we’ve learned about pet homelessness while researching International Homeless Animals Day. We hope these points shed light on the problem of pet homelessness worldwide and inspire people to conduct more research on the subject.

• Less than 10% of all dogs will find a permanent home.
• The primary reason animals end up in shelters is that their owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street.
• Approximately one-fourth of all dogs that enter shelters are purebreds.
• Only 10% of the animals that end up in shelters have been spayed or neutered.

Observing International Homeless Animals Day

This holiday can be observed in various ways. People can donate to a shelter or volunteer their time at a local shelter. They can ensure their pets are spayed or neutered, and they can adopt a new furry friend.

Animal lovers can also spread the word about this holiday online using the hashtag #InternationalHomelessAnimalsDay on social media. If we all take the time to look out for those animals currently living on the streets, perhaps we can prevent more of them from living miserable lives and dying alone.