November 2-8, 2008

© 2008 Patrick McDonnell

In 1996, The HSUS launched National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (based on an idea from the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska). This campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, the first full week of every November, The HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach.

You can find materials here to help you celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in your community. The materials also can be customized to promote the important role of shelters any time of the year.

• Download the Event Planning Guide for event ideas, sample press releases, and other outreach documents.
• See our tips for making the most of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
• View Patrick McDonnell's Shelter Stories strips at muttscomics.com.
• Get our list of the ways people can support their local shelters and pass it on to the public.
• Take a look back at how we celebrated National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week 2006 and National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week 2005.
• Read articles on what other organizations have done to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
• Visit humanesociety.org/sheltersrock for updates on how entertainers and the public are celebrating shelters.
• Sign up to receive The Scoop, our monthly e-newsletter, so you'll get e-mails about what we're planning for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in the future as well as other helpful updates.