Change a Pet’s Life Day
Change a Pet’s Life Day brings attention to animals waiting in shelters, highlighting the need for loving homes. Many dogs, cats, and other animals spend their days in shelters, hoping for a second chance.
Activate pet owners and socially-conscious consumers to adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer in January—positioning your brand as a champion of shelter animals and second chances.
- Share customer adoption stories and before/after pet transformations on social media
- Partner with local shelters to offer in-store donation drives or supply collection events
- Create educational content about fostering benefits and volunteer opportunities in your community
- Launch a 'Sponsor a Shelter Pet' campaign where purchases fund animal care or adoption fee waivers
Change a Pet’s Life Day began in 2009, thanks to Hill’s Pet Nutrition. They created it to help animals in shelters find homes. That first year, Hill’s paid adoption fees for about 3,000 pets across the United States.
The goal was simple—get more animals adopted and raise awareness about their needs. Since then, shelters and rescue groups across the country have joined in.
They use the day to encourage people to consider adoption, fostering, or even volunteering.
This day also celebrates the people behind the scenes. Shelter workers and volunteers spend long hours feeding, cleaning, and comforting animals.
Their care makes a big difference. Without them, many pets wouldn’t stand a chance. Change a Pet’s Life Day honors that work and invites the public to help.
Helping doesn’t always mean adopting. People can donate supplies, share pet profiles online, or support animal rescue groups in other ways. Every small act matters. Each one brings an animal closer to a better future.
Over the years, this day has inspired thousands to take action. It’s a time to focus on kindness, second chances, and making life better for animals that have been forgotten or left behind.
That’s the heart of Change a Pet’s Life Day.
Open Your Home
Adopting a pet from a shelter gives an animal a second chance at happiness. If adoption isn’t possible, consider fostering. Providing temporary care helps animals adjust to home life and frees up shelter space for others. Both options offer rewarding experiences and can lead to lasting bonds.
Offer Your Time
Volunteering at local shelters supports their daily operations and enhances animal well-being. Tasks like walking dogs, socializing cats, or assisting with events make a significant impact. Your presence can comfort animals and prepare them for adoption.
Provide Financial Support
Donations help shelters cover expenses for food, medical care, and other necessities. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Some shelters offer sponsorship programs, allowing you to support a specific animal’s needs.
Share and Educate
Raising awareness about adoptable pets and shelter needs can lead to more adoptions and support. Use social media to share posts from local shelters or tell your own pet adoption story. Your voice can inspire others to take action.
Support Through Supplies
Shelters often have wish lists for items like food, toys, and bedding. Donating these supplies directly supports the animals’ comfort and care. Check with local shelters to see what items they need most.