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National Foster a Pet Month

Ready to make a difference in the life of a furry friend? Join us this National Foster a Pet Month and give an animal in need a loving home!

Monday

1–30

June 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEAll of June

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYPets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to open your hearts and homes to some furry friends because June 1 marks the start of National Foster a Pet Month! This month is all about raising awareness for animal shelters and promoting the importance of fostering pets in need. Did you know that the first animal shelter was founded in America in 1866? Since then, countless animals have been rescued and given a second chance at life thanks to the hard work of shelters and foster families. So why not join in on this heartwarming movement and make a difference by fostering a pet this month? It's a win-win situation – you get to provide a temporary home for an adorable companion, and they get all the love and care they deserve until they find their forever home.

TIMELINE

National Foster a Pet Month Timeline

First Animal Shelter Founded

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was established as the first animal shelter in the United States.

Establishment of The Humane Society

Progressing animal rescue efforts, The Humane Society was founded, promoting the fostering and adoption of pets.

Fostering Gains Popularity

During the 1970s, the concept of fostering pets received more recognition and support throughout the pet community, leading to an increase in foster homes.

Rise of No-Kill Movement

The no-kill movement emerged, advocating for a goal of zero euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets with foster homes playing a crucial role.

Pet Foster Care Day Proclaimed

The City of Los Angeles proclaimed July 11 as Pet Foster Care Day, emphasizing the importance of fostering in saving pets' lives.

National Foster a Pet Month

The Petco Foundation established June as National Foster a Pet Month to acknowledge, inspire, and support pet fostering.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Foster a Pet Month

Foster a pet

The best way to celebrate National Foster a Pet Month is to actually foster a pet! Contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization and offer to temporarily foster a pet in need. It's a rewarding experience that helps homeless pets find their forever homes.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an animal shelter

If you can't foster a pet, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. You can help out with feeding, cleaning, and socializing the animals. It's a great way to give back and make a difference in the lives of homeless pets.

DONATE

Donate to a pet rescue organization

Another way to support National Foster a Pet Month is by making a donation to a pet rescue organization. They rely on donations to provide care to animals in need, so every contribution helps make a difference.

SPREAD

Spread awareness on social media

Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about National Foster a Pet Month. Share information about pet fostering, success stories, and ways to get involved. You never know who you might inspire to become a foster pet parent!

HOST

Host a pet adoption event

If you have the resources and space, consider hosting a pet adoption event to celebrate National Foster a Pet Month. Partner with a local animal shelter or rescue organization and help find homes for as many pets as possible.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Foster a Pet Month is Important

You might find your new best friend

Many foster families end up adopting the pet they were caring for, as they couldn't imagine saying goodbye after forming such a strong bond. So if you've been considering adding a furry friend to your family, try fostering first - you never know who might steal your heart!

You're giving a deserving animal a loving home

By fostering a pet, you're providing them with a safe and comfortable temporary home while they wait to find their forever family. You have the power to make a huge difference in an animal's life by opening up your heart and home to them.

You're helping reduce overcrowding in shelters

Fostering pets can help reduce the number of animals living in shelters, which means less stress and more space for other animals who are still waiting for their chance at adoption. This also allows shelters to better care for each animal.

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