Special Events

2009 and 2010 American Humane Public Awareness Events and Other Notable Observances

Be sure to check our website frequently during the year for information and updates, plus entry forms, rules and instructions for our Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest and Pets & Pals Photo Contest™.

	American Humane's Anniversary Annually, October 9 Founded Oct. 9, 1877, American Humane celebrates a long and continuing legacy of leadership in protecting children and animals. In 2009 we celebrate 132 years of working to create a more humane and compassionate world by ending abuse and neglect of children and animals.
	Adopt-A-Cat Month® Annually, June Spring and summer mark “kitten season” when a record number of unspayed cats have litters. As a result, it’s a busy time for animal shelters and breed-rescue groups. Every June, people join American Humane in celebrating Adopt-A-Cat Month and promoting the adoption of homeless feline companions. Help us continue the tradition of Adopt-A-Cat Month -- learn more!
	Adopt-A-Dog Month® Annually, October Millions of dogs across the country face euthanasia every year because there are not enough people who will adopt them and give them caring homes. To give these dogs another chance at finding happiness, every October American Humane celebrates Adopt-A-Dog Month. Join us in promoting this annual tradition by adopting a dog from your local shelter or breed-rescue group or learning more about responsible dog care.
	Be Kind to Animals Week® Annually, First Full Week of May In 1915, American Humane established the first week in May as Be Kind to Animals Week, a special time to celebrate the bond people have with animals. Spread the word about being kind to animals -- celebrate the next Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8, 2010.
	Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest March 1 through April 16, 2010 Be Kind to Animals Week is highlighted by the Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest, which recognizes children who go out of their way to promote the humane treatment of animals.
	Child Abuse Prevention Month Annually, April American Humane joins with thousands of organizations each year to support National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The observance raises awareness about the critical problem of child abuse and neglect and encourages community members to speak out on behalf of these children to ensure that they receive the support and protection they deserve.
	Every Day is Tag Day™ Annually, first Saturday in April Every year American Humane celebrates Every Day Is Tag Day to encourage all pet owners to tag or microchip their companion animals. If your pet runs away or gets lost, proper identification is his only way home. Make sure your pet has a collar and up-to-date ID tag, and consider microchipping your pet for added protection. Celebrate keeping your pet safe -- join us for the next Every Day is Tag day, Saturday, April 3, 2010.
	National (Child) Adoption Month Annually, November National Adoption Month promotes the adoption of children and youths from foster care and recognizes the important role of adoptive and foster parents in providing stability and permanency in the lives of children and youths. According to data from the U.S. Children's Bureau, Administration for Children, Youth and Families, 130,000 children of all ages in this country are waiting to be adopted. American Humane thanks all adoptive parents and urges people to consider making a commitment to change a child’s life.
	National Foster Care Month Annually, May Each May, American Humane joins this observance to honor foster parents by recognizing their generosity and commitment to helping at-risk children. American Humane encourages people to spread awareness in their communities of the plight some children in foster care face, or to consider becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
	National Link Awareness Month (To Be Determined) The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals is internationally recognized, yet more must be done to address its tragic impact on victims of abuse. We are supporting a resolution in Congress to create National Link Awareness Month and focus more attention and resources on this important issue, to help break the cycle of violence.
	Pets & Pals Photo Contest™ Annually, summer Families, kids, dogs, cats and farm animals -- they’re all captured in American Humane’s annual Pets & Pals Contest. Held every summer, the contest draws entries from professional and amateur photographers nationwide, each anxious to share favorite photos and get a chance at great cash prizes.