World Stray Animals Day

Beyond The Cuteness, Strays Face A Harsh Reality

It’s World Stray Animals Day, a global spotlight on the millions of furry (or feathery, or scaled!) friends around the world who call the streets home and don’t have the luxury of a comfy couch and a full food bowl. Exposed to the elements, struggling to find food, and vulnerable to illness and injury, their lives are far from easy.
But this day isn’t just about feeling sad for these lost souls. It’s a call to action!

The Origins of World Stray Animals Day

World Stray Animals Day started out as an idea sparked in the Netherlands by stray animal organizations and Stray-AFP back in 2010. Stray animal organizations and Stray-AFP, a foundation dedicated to animal welfare, joined forces to create a day specifically focused on helping these forgotten furry friends.
April 4th was chosen as it falls exactly six months after World Animal Day, creating a bookend of awareness throughout the year.
Since then, World Stray Animals Day has gained widespread recognition and support, resonating with animal lovers around the globe who are eager to make a difference.

Let’s Make Tails Wag Worldwide!

So, you want to join the pack and celebrate World Stray Animals Day?
Here are a few ways to get your paws dirty (in a good way!):

• Volunteer: Shelters and rescues are always overflowing with love, but often short on helping hands. Lend a paw by volunteering your time to walk dogs, socialize cats or help with cleaning and enrichment activities. 
• Donate: Shelters rely on donations to provide food, bedding, and medical care for strays.
• Foster: Consider opening your heart and home to a foster pet. Even a temporary stay can make a world of difference in a stray’s life.
• Fundraising: Organize a bake sale, a car wash, or even a sponsored walk/run! Every penny counts in the fight against animal homelessness. 
• Adopt: You can’t buy love, but you can adopt it! Choose wisely and don’t rush into picking an animal. Make sure they have the right temperament that suits your lifestyle.
• Social Share: Use your social media powers for good! Tell all your friends and family members about World Stray Animals Day. Encourage them to have their pets spayed and neutered to prevent more unwanted pets from entering the streets. Use the hashtag #WorldStrayAnimalsDay to spread awareness. 

Whether you’re lending a helping hand at your local shelter or spreading the word on social media, every contribution counts in the fight for animal welfare.

Let’s Bark Up The Right Tree

Stray cats got you feeling feline blue? Want to show some love to the underdogs? Looking for a cause with heart?
Remember that every action, big or small, helps create a brighter future for stray animals.
And if anyone raises an eyebrow at the epic cat disco in your backyard, just tell them Wild Calendar sanctioned this celebration of compassion and maybe they’ll want to join the fun.
Happy World Stray Animals Day!