Give a Dog a Bone Week takes place during the first full week in August, from August 4 to 10 this year. As the name suggests, this week-long observance aims to feed stray animals and the pets of homeless people. It is also a donations drive for pet food and finances. There are often free health checks for homeless dogs too. You might have come across several stray animals in your neighborhood. Well, here’s your chance to do something for these furry pals. Donate to a nearby shelter or volunteer in your local community. You could even adopt a rescued pup, the options are open!
History of Give a Dog a Bone Week
Give a Dog a Bone Week is an initiative started by Pets of the Homeless. This is a national N.G.O. that works for the welfare of stray animals. The organization has been around since 2008. It has distributed more than 1.5 million pounds of pet supplies since then.
The concept of this initiative stemmed from the N.G.O’s founder’s personal experience. After she had moved to N.Y.C., Genevieve once noticed a homeless man with a mixed breed dog. The incident struck a chord with her. She wondered why a homeless person adopted a pet when he didn’t have a roof over his head. She came back home and researched the topic. She discovered from the National Coalition for the Homeless, that nearly 5-10% of homeless people in America had a dog/cat. In fact, the rate was as high as 25% in some states.
She figured that the homeless found comfort and friendship in these pets. They cared for them as well as they could. While people like Genevieve have the luxury of providing for their pets, the homeless aren’t as privileged to give their pets top-notch care. The realization made her want to do something. That’s how Feeding Pets of the Homeless was born. Genevieve’s N.G.O. not only provides food for homeless pets. It also helps pay for emergency veterinary care, pet crates, and wellness clinics for animal shelters. The organization also has a donation site where you can make donations. You can also contribute by buying their merchandise. It’ll only take you a few minutes to go through the site and do your bit for the needy.
Give a Dog a Bone Week timeline
Traditional shelters come into being in America to provide a humane way of tackling the stray animal problem.
Caroline Earle White, along with a group of women activists, establishes America’s first animal shelter in Bensalem, PA.
The Humane Society of the United States promotes the use of spay and neuter technology to reduce the number of stray animals.
Richard Avanzino, the then executive director of the San Francisco S.P.C.A., proposes the No Kill model to stop euthanasia.
Give a Dog a Bone Week FAQs
Which U.S. state has the highest number of stray animals?
As per a 2019 survey, Mexico tops the list with more than 3,200 pets surrendered per million inhabitants. Other states with such high rates include Idaho, Colorado, Montana, and Nevada with 2,000 pets left behind per million residents.
What can I do to help homeless pets?
The easiest way is to adopt one, but that’s not a mandate. If you’re not comfortable living with animals, you could donate food, toys, and crates to shelters or join a volunteering group to do your bit for the innocent souls.
Why do homeless people have pets?
Being homeless can be a terrible and lonely experience. Having a pet around can make the experience a little better as pets offer companionship and a sense of identity for the owner. The emotional bonding between the pet and its guardian can be helpful for the latter’s mental health while also making them more responsible.
How to Observe Give a Dog a Bone Week
Donate
Here’s your chance to do your bit for the stray pups and dogs in your neighborhood. The money you donate will help provide emergency veterinary care for the animals. You may also contribute in the form of pet supplies like toys, crates, food, and blankets.
Start a fundraiser
Do you know what could be even better than donating to feed pets? Starting a fundraiser! Ask your friends and acquaintances to pool in. One can make a difference, while a team can create a miracle.
Get the merch
Purchase a T-shirt endorsed by Pets of the Homeless to support this noble cause. The money raised from the purchase of this merchandise goes to the welfare of homeless pets.
5 Facts About Homeless Animals You Should Know
The number is huge
The U.S. alone has around 70 million stray animals.
Cats aren’t popular among pet lovers
Only 2-5% of cats from animal shelters are reclaimed by their guardians or adopted while almost 30% of dogs manage to find a new home.
Increased euthanasia
Due to lack of space and adopters, nearly 2.7 million animals at shelters are euthanized every year.
Decrease in pet adoption
The rate of pet adoption dropped by 36% in 2020 and 2021.
Animals raised in shelters are healthy
Only 1% of animals raised in shelters suffer critical illnesses.
Why Give a Dog a Bone Week is Important
Animals deserve your love
A little love and compassion go a long way! Animals in shelters deserve to be well-fed and taken care of. If you can’t adopt a pet, you can still make a difference by donating for their welfare.
It’s an act of kindness towards the homeless
By supporting this initiative by Pets of the Homeless, you’re not only doing good to stray animals but also to the homeless people who raise pets. The homeless cannot afford to provide their pets with nutritious meals or fun toys. Many lose their livelihoods and homes and still keep their pets, and they appreciate the help.
It’s a chance to volunteer
If you have been planning to try volunteering, this is a perfect opportunity for you. You could be a stray animal rescuer. You can spread awareness about animal protection. Otherwise, lead an educational program to control pet overpopulation.
Give a Dog a Bone Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 7 | Sunday |
| 2023 | August 6 | Sunday |
| 2024 | August 4 | Sunday |
| 2025 | August 3 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 2 | Sunday |
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