What is International Homeless Animals Day?

In 1992, the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) introduced National Homeless Animals’ Day as a means of bringing to light the increasing societal problem of pet over-population and the resulting overwhelming number of homeless animals.  Because of the growing number of animal protection organizations around the world participating in National Homeless Animals Day, ISAR formally changed the name to International Homeless Animals’ Day.

ISAR has reserved the third Saturday of August as an annual day to commemorate National Homeless Animals’ Day.  Organizations all over the world hold activities in an effort to raise awareness about pet over-population and the homelessness of animals, to pay Tribute to shelter/rescue workers who work tirelessly to help homeless animals, and to Memorialize those animals who have lost their lives to homelessness.   For more information, visit www.isaronline.org.

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How can I participate locally?

For the first time, the citizens of the Triangle can celebrate this important day.  Local rescue organization, C.A.R.E.  For Animals, and local store, Unleashed, will co-sponsor a day of activities at Lake Boone Shopping Center for pets and their people.

Our daytime activities will celebrate ADOPTED pets -- those formerly homeless pets who have had the good fortune of finding loving, permanent homes. 

The evening’s activities will consist of a traditional Candlelight Vigil, in which animal lovers from our community will unite to pay *tribute* to homeless animals and to shelter/rescue workers, and to *memorialize* the animals who have lost their lives to homelessness.  

Daytime Activities    12 - 4 pm: 

Come HONOR your ADOPTED pet and celebrate your relationship with him/her at our “Homeless No More!” celebration!    Proceeds from this event will go to help the homeless pets in the C.A.R.E. For Animals rescue/adoption program.  Your adopted pets will be “giving back” to still homeless pets!

Activities will include:

·         Pets & their People Portraits  - Receive a 5x7 photograph of you/your family and your beloved pet!  Photography will be done by Laura Lorenz photography www.lauralorenzphotography.com.  (To keep the wait down, photos will be done "prom-style.") Photographs will be professionally printed and may be picked up a few days after the event. 

$10 donation

·         “My Pet is a STAR!” photo contest (note: you do not need to be present to win) – Enter a photo of your dog or cat in our photo contest and your pet’s picture could be here:

-The winning dog will have his or her picture placed on his or her favorite flavor of A Dog's Life natural, human-grade, dog treats (grain-free varieties available!) 

-The winning cat will be pictured on organic USA catnip! 

-The winners will recieve several FREE bags and will see themselves on the bags for sale at Unleashed!  

-Photos will be judged on:  the “cuteness factor,” pet’s facial expression, originality, and overall photo quality.   

-Photos may be dropped off at Unleashed any time from 10 am to 4 pm on the day of the event.  The contest will conclude at 4 pm and the contest winners will be announced during the evening activities.   Winners are not required to be present.  

-The winning photo will need to be available in digital format for submission to the packaging company. 

-$5 donation with each entry.  

·         Silent Auction (note:  will last until 7 pm) – Local businesses and individuals will be donating some great pet-themed baskets, products and services as well as goodies for their humans too!  Stop by the C.A.R.E. For Animals’ silent auction at Unleashed between 12-7 pm and place your bids!  The highest bidder at the end of the auction wins the item.  You’ll pick up some great items and all proceeds go to help homeless pets!  You must be present at the close of the auction (7 pm) to obtain your item. 

There are lots of great items- click here to see a list of all the exciting things you can bid on!

Evening Activities – 8 pm

Location: The Patio at Lake Boone Shopping Center (in the courtyard in front of Chubby's Tacos, Subway, Lake Boone Florist, and next to Sushi Thai.) 

The patio is just a few steps down the sidewalk from Unleashed, and can hold more people!  Also, Unleashed closes at 8 pm, so we can all join the evening activities!

Join us for a Candlelight Vigil where animal lovers from our community will gather in unity to recognize International Homeless Animals’ Day.  We will pay *tribute* to homeless animals through music/songs, learn about ways that we can work together to help fight pet-overpopulation, and we will have a Blessing of the Animals. 

Other activities might be added to this portion of the event, so please check back for more information.  Pets are welcome at this event. 

* DONATIONS * will be collected during the evening activities for spay/neuter programming to help reduce the births of unwanted/homeless dogs and cats in our community.  PLEASE come out to this important event!

Past Events:

This event has been very successful in other cities and other countries; let's show that Raleigh, NC cares!  Spread the word to everyone you know!

Check out these pictures from some past events around the world:

2009: More than three thousand people gathered in Pretoria, South Africa to pay tribute to homeless animals during an International Homeless Animals’ Day observance held by Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre.  (Note: It's our first year, so we don't expect three thousand, but maybe next year?)

Searching for pictures of past events, I found this: Greater Triad Shag Club Fundraiser for International Homeless Animals' Day 2008!  Any shaggers out there want to do this next year?  Or if you have other ideas, please let us know!

Homeless Animals' Day Vigil in Malaysia 2005:  Tea candles placed in a heart shape were lit by SPCA volunteers in Malaysia to memorialize the animals killed due to pet overpopulation.