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Adopt a Turkey Month

Join the movement and make a difference this November by adopting a turkey instead of eating one.

Sunday

1–30

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of November

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYFarm Animals

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Gobble gobble! It's time to celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month, starting on November 1. This month-long holiday was established in the 1980s by the animal rights organization, Farm Sanctuary, as a way to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting turkeys instead of consuming them for Thanksgiving. It's a great opportunity to show compassion and kindness towards these intelligent and loving animals, while also promoting a plant-based diet. Plus, who wouldn't want to have a turkey as part of their family? Get ready to spread some love and gratitude this month with your new feathered friend!

TIMELINE

Adopt a Turkey Month Timeline

Establishment of Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary, an animal protection organization, is founded by Gene Baur and Lorri Houston.

First Adopt a Turkey Program

Farm Sanctuary initiates the first Adopt a Turkey program to save turkeys from slaughter during Thanksgiving.

Growth in Turkey Adoptions

Adopt a Turkey program expands across the United States, thanks to increasing awareness about animal welfare issues.

Celebrity Involvement

Celebrities, like Ellen DeGeneres, begin supporting and promoting the Adopt a Turkey program.

Millennial Impact

The rise of millennial environmentalism and veganism marks a new surge in turkey adoptions during November.

Virtual Adoption

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Farm Sanctuary launches a virtual adoption and celebration program.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month

Adopt a turkey

The best way to celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month is by actually adopting a turkey! Many animal sanctuaries and organizations offer programs where you can sponsor a turkey and receive updates on their well-being.

VISIT

Visit a turkey farm

Take a trip to a local turkey farm and learn about the lives of these amazing birds. You can also support the farm by purchasing products made from their turkeys, such as feathers or meat alternatives.

EDUCATE

Educate others on the importance of turkey adoption

Spread awareness about Adopt a Turkey Month by educating others on why it's important to adopt turkeys instead of consuming them. You can share information on social media or host a discussion with friends and family.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a turkey rescue organization

Find a local turkey rescue organization and offer your time and skills to help care for the turkeys. You can also organize fundraisers or donation drives to support their efforts.

HOST

Host a plant-based Thanksgiving feast

Instead of serving traditional turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner, try hosting a plant-based feast with delicious alternatives that don't involve harming animals. This is a great way to celebrate Adopt a Turkey Month and promote compassion towards all living creatures.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Adopt a Turkey Month

It supports organizations and sanctuaries working towards animal welfare

By participating in Adopt a Turkey Month, you not only show support for the individual turkey you adopt but also for the organizations and sanctuaries that work tirelessly to rescue and care for these animals. Your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of the turkeys and the organizations that help them.

It brings awareness to the plight of turkeys

Adopt a Turkey Month is a great opportunity to educate people about the mistreatment of turkeys and encourage them to make more conscious choices when it comes to food consumption. By adopting a turkey, you can make a positive impact and help raise awareness for animal welfare.

It promotes compassion and kindness towards all animals

Through adopting a turkey, we show compassion and kindness towards these intelligent, gentle creatures who often face cruel treatment in factory farms. Adopting a turkey also encourages empathy towards all animals, not just turkeys, and can lead to more ethical food choices.

Related holidays

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Nov 2026

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Turkey-free Thanksgiving

Make your Thanksgiving special this year with a delicious turkey-free feast - try out tasty vegan and vegetarian recipes!

World Farm Animals Day

Share your love for furry friends on World Farm Animals Day - show your support by donating to animal shelters and pet rescue organizations.

World Animal Month

Join the movement and make a difference this World Animal Month by supporting animal rights, conservation efforts, and adoption initiatives. Let's protect our furry friends!

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Join us in celebrating the Humane Society's anniversary and help make a difference for animals in need - it's time to spread some love and compassion!

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