History:

Every year on the third Saturday in August, we observe International Homeless Animals Day to celebrate how far we've come in taking care of our pets, and share knowledge on what more we can do. And no, you won't find any bindle-carrying beagles at these celebrations, either.

International Homeless Animals Day (IHAD) began in 1992 when the International Society for Animals Rights decided to dedicate a day to spreading awareness about pet overpopulation. Since then, events, observances, participants, and positive results have grown every year. They bring people all over the world together to shed light on pet overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution. Currently, celebrations can be found in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. To date, the group has saved the lives of millions of animals around the world.

Every day, animals are abandoned or placed into kennels, dependent on charities and goodwill. These organizations are strained beyond coping, and are desperate to raise awareness of the plight of homeless and abandoned animals. Homeless Animals Day aims to educate people about pet abandonment, feral animals and benefits or neutering domestic animals.

ISAR's IHAD activities often include candlelight vigils, adopt-a-thons, spay/neuter clinics, microchip clinics, blessings of the animals, and heartfelt speeches given by council members, local veterinarians, humane officers and shelter personnel. Other activities include slideshows, rallies, dog walks, open houses, award ceremonies, live music, raffles, and games. Individuals, organizations and animal-friendly businesses wishing to take part in ISAR's

By coming together on International Homeless Animals' Day, we can support ISAR in letting the world know we will not tolerate the senseless killing that continues to take the lives of innocent dogs, cats, puppies and kittens simply because there are not enough good homes for them.

Homeless Animals Day aims to educate people about pet abandonment, feral animals and benefits or neutering domestic animals. Together, we will continue to be a voice for the animals, and continue to demand an end to the suffering these animals face each day.

How to observe international homeless animals' day?

-Have your pet spayed or neutered

One of the most important goals for IHAD is to ensure all pets are spayed or neutered. A single non-spayed female dog and her mate can produce about 16 puppies in a year. If none of these puppies are spayed or neutered, it can turn into 128 more puppies in two years. After three years, that?s 512 puppies, and if extrapolated to six years, that?s 67,000 animals. When presented this way, it?s easy to see why this is such a problem.

-Attend an event

Bring your pooch or cat and attend one of the several events taking place all over the country. Invite your other pet-loving friends with you as well to help spread awareness about the topic, and have a blast romping around with your closest nonhuman friends.

-Consider adopting

Aside from doing your part to control pet overpopulation, one of the greatest things you could do on this August is take home a pet from a shelter. These animal control centers fill up fast, but we can all make a big difference by doing something as small as choosing a rescue dog or cat to be our new pet.

Why international homeless animals' day is important?

-It sheds light on a serious problem

Pet overpopulation is an epidemic that has spread worldwide, but the solution is simple —all pets should be spayed or neutered. Every year, IHAD sponsors spay/neuter clinics, adopt-a-thons, microchip clinics, and even inspiring speeches from those who work with these animals every day.

-It's a fun way to make a difference

IHAD addresses a serious topic, but that doesn't mean participants can't have fun while they're at it. Attending events also means taking part in rallies, games, and dog walks, while enjoying live music, raffles, open houses, slideshows, and awards ceremonies. All this while making a major change in the world.

-It gives a voice to the animals

The millions of homeless animals around the world need their humans to look out for them. If we don't do anything, these animals risk starvation and pain, or euthanization at overcrowded animal control facilities. The animals depend on us, and thanks to IHAD, we can speak up for them.

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