In Greece, they have restaurants that allow stray dogs to spend the night (https://tinyurl.com/yxcfq43k). Animal welfare groups thrive in Japan (https://japancatnetwork.org/) and around the world. In some countries, homeless animals run the streets and they are, undoubtedly, a concern worldwide. International Homeless Animals’ Day on August 15 brings awareness to this problem.

In addition to shelters, there are several welfare and foster groups that reach out to help protect animals around the world. Many start with providing spay and neuter services for adoptable pets in an effort to reduce overpopulation. Others offer trainings as well as opportunities to volunteer.

According to https://nationaldaycalendar.com/, “over 50 countries and six continents observe [International Homeless Animals’ Day] In the United States, all 50 states and the District of Columbia hold events in honor of the observance.” But how can you observe it?

There are two local shelters where people 18+ can volunteer, Solano County Animal Shelter in Fairfield and the SPCA in Vacaville. They can be contacted at https://tinyurl.com/y3zv2wec and https://solanospca.com/ respectively. But there are more options, especially for those who are not yet 18. Families can adopt or foster homeless pets. Younger students can create fund-raisers, donate toys and materials, or encourage others adopt. Last spring students in the AVID classes helped support homeless animals by having a Pet Drive that collected food, toys and more for the animals at the local SPCA.

The International Society for Animal Rights, founded in 1959, observed the first International Homeless Animals’ Day in 1992. To find out more about that organization and how you can help, go to https://isaronline.org/.