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Celebrate Shelter Pets Day

Show your love for shelter pets this Celebrate Shelter Pets Day - adopt, donate, or simply spread the word and make a difference!

Saturday

December 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEDecember 5

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYPets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate Shelter Pets Day on December 5 is the perfect time to show your appreciation for all of our furry friends in shelters! This special day was created in 2019 by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as a way to recognize pets that have been rescued from shelters and raise awareness about proper pet care. Whether you are an animal lover or just looking for some companionship, Celebrate Shelter Pets Day is a great opportunity to bring home a lovable new family member.

TIMELINE

Celebrate Shelter Pets Day Timeline

ASPCA Founded

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first animal welfare organization in North America, was established.

Animal Welfare Act

The Animal Welfare Act, the first federal law regulating the treatment of animals in research and exhibition, was enacted.

First No-Kill Shelter

The first animal shelter claiming a "no-kill" policy, committed to saving all healthy and treatable animals, opened its doors in San Francisco.

National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

February has been designated National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, a significant step towards reducing the number of animals in shelters.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The ASPCA opened the doors to their Animal Poison Control Center, assisting in the prevention of accidental poisonings of companion animals.

Celebrate Shelter Pets Day

The first Celebrate Shelter Pets Day was celebrated, encouraging adoption and raising awareness about proper pet care.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Celebrate Shelter Pets Day

Adopt a pet

Save a life and bring home a new furry friend from your local animal shelter. When you adopt a pet, you’ll help reduce the number of homeless pets in your community.

FOSTER

Foster an animal

Many shelters need temporary caregivers for their animals. Fostering is a great way to give back and provide love and care to an animal in need.

DONATE

Donate supplies

Shelters are always looking for donations such as food, bedding, toys, bowls, collars and leashes. Even if you’re unable to foster or adopt, you can still help animals in need.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at the shelter

If you’re feeling up for it, volunteer at your local shelter! You can walk dogs, clean cages, play with cats, help with adoption events and more.

SPREAD

Spread the word

Let your friends and family know about Celebrate Shelter Pets Day by posting on social media or sharing stories of shelter pets you know!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Celebrate Shelter Pets Day is Important

It shows appreciation to shelter and rescue workers

The people who work at animal shelters and rescues dedicate their lives to helping displaced animals find loving forever homes. Celebrating Shelter Pets Day is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and the important role they play in society.

It's a great way to celebrate the love of pet adoption

Shelter Pets Day is a great opportunity for pet owners and animal lovers to come together and celebrate their love of pet adoption. It's a day to recognize the joys of owning an adopted pet and all they bring to our lives.

It promotes adoption over purchasing

Celebrating Shelter Pets Day serves as an important reminder that there are thousands of homeless animals in shelters just waiting to be adopted into loving homes. Not only does it encourage people to adopt pets instead of buying them, but it also helps spread awareness about overcrowded shelters and the need for foster homes and adopter families.