Change a Pet’s Life Day is celebrated annually on January 24. This day isn’t only life-changing for our pets, it changes our lives for the better too. Everyone can agree that having a pet brings a limitless amount of happiness and solace since they give us their eternal love, devotion, and support. This day enables us to provide a new home for one or more of the millions of animals in shelters. If you aren’t ready to get a new pet just yet, we’ll go through different ways you can improve the lives of the animals below.
History of Change a Pet’s Life Day
At first, glance, altering anyone’s life may seem impossible, but doing it for a pet is a whole other ballgame. Today, any one of us may contribute to history by giving a pet a fresh start or a better future.
By now you might be wondering how this can be achieved and where you can start. Well, Change a Pet’s Life Day was created primarily to encourage pet adoption all over the world, which is the number one way to change a pet’s life forever.
There are millions of stray and abandoned pets left in shelters all through America and across the world. These pets are left lonely in cold shelters for most, and sometimes, all of their lives, or even euthanized at some point to create room for more.
The first of these shelters debuted in Pennsylvania in 1896 when the Women’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals joined forces to create a facility for horses. Later, they expanded their services to include lost and abandoned dogs and allowed people to adopt such animals. Since that time, shelters have been established all around the world to care for various animals, and several rules and regulations have been put in place to stop animal abuse.
One such initiative is Change a Pet’s Life Day. Although the history of this holiday cannot yet be traced, its objective remains clear — to support and encourage pet adoption. However, individuals that are not quite ready for a new family member are also encouraged to change the lives of one or more pets through other means like sponsorship and volunteer work.
Change a Pet’s Life Day timeline
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) is formed in Britain.
Henry Bergh establishes the S.P.C.A. in America.
The Women’s S.P.C.A of Pennsylvania establishes the first official animal shelter.
“TIME” magazine publishes “The American Pet” cover story to shed light on the growing community of pet owners.
Change a Pet’s Life Day FAQs
How else can I change a pet’s life?
In addition to the ways we have discussed, there are other ways you can change a pet’s life forever. Some of these include but are not limited to, donating, volunteering, spreading the word about adoptable pets on social media, sending gifts to shelters, and making life a bit more comfortable for your already owned pet.
What pet is the most adopted?
According to statistics derived from animal shelters, dogs are the most adopted shelter animal. Amongst the many pure and mixed breeds of dogs found in shelters, Golden Retrievers are the most commonly adopted breed.
Is fostering a pet-free?
Generally, the animal shelter you are fostering from will cover any medical expenses the pet may have, including vaccines, procedures, and medications. Thanks to donated supplies and discounted fees, the cost of fostering is next to nothing.
How to Observe Change a Pet’s Life Day
Adopt a pet
Of course, the best way to celebrate Change a Pet's Life Day is to adopt a pet. As we've already mentioned, the purpose of this holiday is to promote pet adoption and inspire people to bring home shelter animals. If you've been considering getting a new pet, we strongly advise that you take a look at the animals in shelters, set up an appointment, and adopt one right away.
Sponsor a pet
The animal shelter and protection sector has developed significantly over the years, as we already noted. Allowing people to sponsor a pet is one of the ways the market has advanced. This is distinct from usual giving in that you can choose one or many beloved animals to care for. You can make a difference in their lives without having to take them home.
Foster a pet
Just like with people, if you aren't ready to fully commit to adoption, you can choose to foster a pet. As it prepares these animals to find their forever homes, fostering is an excellent socialization approach. Additionally, it helps the shelters have more space and resources to care for other animals.
5 Facts About Pet Adoption And Shelters
You would be joining the majority
Approximately 72% of American households own a pet.
Fostering is a hit too
As of 2020, over 50,000 pets are fostered each year.
You’d be doing a vital service
Each year five to seven million pets are placed in animal shelters.
It only takes a couple of minutes
Statistics show that once an individual decides to adopt, it only takes about eight minutes to decide which pet to adopt.
Adoption rates are on the rise
Studies have shown that pet adoption is becoming one of the major ways of acquiring a pet.
Why Change a Pet’s Life Day is Important
It’s a fresh start
We love this day because it gives shelter animals a unique opportunity for a brand new start. As the days go by and the nights get colder in the shelters, animals lose hope of finding a permanent place to call home. This holiday promises them a brighter future and sunnier days.
It’s a chance to get a new family member
Change a Pet’s Life Day is not only joyful, and life-changing for the pets involved, but for the humans too. Owning and adopting a pet is like gaining a new family member, and this holiday gives us the chance to experience that.
It’s a global awareness scheme
This holiday is an initiative that stirs up a global awareness of animal shelters, and pet adoption processes. It is essential because the more people learn about the importance of pet adoption and fostering procedures, the more pets' lives can be changed for the better.
Change a Pet’s Life Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 24 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 24 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 24 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 24 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 24 | Wednesday |
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