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Did you know that approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States annually? It’s true, and while these numbers appear to be on a decline, there are still far too many strays on our streets.
World Stray Animal Day is a time to recognize these unfortunate animals that don’t have homes. It is recognized every year on April 4th. Read on to learn more about this day and how you can commemorate it.
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What Is World Stray Animal Day?
World Stray Animal Day was launched in 2010 during the Dutch National Stray Animals Convention. A marketing guru at the convention suggested there be one day annually dedicated to stray animals worldwide. They decided that April 4th would become World Stray Animal Day. This particular date was chosen as it is exactly six months after World Animal Day, observed annually on October 4th.
What Can I Do to Commemorate World Stray Animal Day?
There are many things you can do to commemorate World Stray Animal Day.
Assist Nonprofits
Do some research to find animal-based nonprofits in your area. The mission statement for these types of organizations will vary. Still, they all have the same goal of helping homeless animals and enacting societal change to reduce how many strays there are.
You can offer your time volunteering with these organizations or donating your money to help their cause.
Adopt a Stray
There is no better way to celebrate World Stray Animal Day than to take a homeless animal and give it a loving home. Visit your local animal shelter to see if a stray animal waiting for his forever home calls to you.
Of course, you should not adopt an animal simply because it is World Stray Animals Day. Ensure you have the space in your budget to welcome a new furry family member into your home. Don’t rush into picking an animal, either. Make sure they have the right temperament that suits your lifestyle.
Spread the Word
Tell all your friends and family members about World Stray Animals Day, and encourage them to have their pets spayed and neutered to prevent more unwanted pets from entering the streets. Make posts on your social media accounts and use the hashtag #WorldStrayAnimalsDay to spread awareness.
What Can My Organization Do to Spread the Word?
The days and weeks leading up to 4/4 should be very busy if you work for a stray animal organization. There are countless activities you can plan to do on April 4th to spread the word. Some ideas include:
- Creating hype by posting about World Stray Animals Day in the days leading up to 4/4
- Organize a pack dog walk
- Organize a spay and neuter day in your city
- Hold an animal adoption event
- Organize a market with proceedings going toward your organization
- Hand petitions to your local community council
- Host a dog wash event
- Host an animal photoshoot event
- Host a dog bake (“bakery”) event
- Organize a pet talent show
- Hold a pet toy or accessory raffle
Final Thoughts
World Stray Animals Day is on April 4th annually. It’s the perfect time for animal lovers and those working in the animal industry to spread the word about strays and the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.
Featured Image Credit: Mithras 12, Shutterstock
