From finding your new best friend to making memories with the one already by your side, Best Friends Animal Society offers pet events for every kind of animal lover.

Want to discover new pet-friendly activities or can't-miss pet events near you? From kitten yoga and volunteer opportunities to galas and local adoption events, we’re bringing people and pets together all year long — in communities across the country and online.

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Upcoming Events

12 upcoming events
* = registration required
Jul 1 Wednesday
Jul 5 Sunday
Adopt Your Best Friend
See details for times

In celebration of the upcoming June 26th release of DC's Supergirl, our sponsors at Warner Brothers Discovery will be covering dog adoption fees.

Wednesday, July 1: 11:00am–7:00pm PT
Thursday, July 2: 11:00am–7:00pm PT
Friday, July 3: 11:00am–7:00pm PT
Saturday, July 4: 11:00am–7:00pm PT
Sunday, July 5: 11:00am–7:00pm PT
Jul 4 Saturday
Leashes and Lattes at the Momentary
10:00am–11:00am CT

Stop by Onyx Coffee Lab at the Momentary in Bentonville between 10 and 11 am to meet some of Best Friends' adoptable dogs!

Stop by Onyx Coffee Lab at the Momentary in Bentonville between 10 and 11 am to meet some of Best Friends' adoptable dogs!

Jul 4 Saturday
Dog Treat Lab
11:00am–1:00pm CT

Drop in between 11 am and 1 pm to bake some tasty dog treats and learn cooking skills from chef Regina Bowman.

Drop in between 11 am and 1 pm to bake some tasty dog treats and learn cooking skills from chef Regina Bowman.

Jul 12 Sunday
Yoga with Movement Driven Life *
10:00am–11:00am CT
Unroll your mat and find your flow alongside an adoptable pet!

Unroll your mat and find your flow alongside an adoptable pet! 🐾 Enjoy a special edition of Yoga with Movement Driven Life at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center. This small-group class offers the perfect mix of mindfulness, gentle movement, and cuddly company. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and surrounded by furry friend! Feel free to bring your own yoga mat, or use one provided. The class is free, but registration is required. Space is very limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville
Jul 12 Sunday
Summer Market
11:00am–4:00pm CT

Drop by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center to browse goods from local vendors and makers, enjoy a refreshing beverage from Third Space Coffee, and meet some adoptable dogs and cats!

Drop by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center to browse goods from local vendors and makers, enjoy a refreshing beverage from Third Space Coffee, and meet some adoptable dogs and cats!

Jul 12 Sunday
Dog Adoption Event at Brooklyn Brewery
1:00pm–4:00pm ET
Join us at Brooklyn Brewery Sunday, July 12th from 1pm to 4pm to meet adoptable dogs and learn more on helping pets in need.
All adoptable pups will be available to go home the same day, and adoption fees will be waived!
Get information on becoming a foster or volunteer!
Location: Brooklyn Brewery

79 North 11th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
United States

Jul 17 Friday
Rolls for Rescue *
4:00pm–6:30pm CT
Join us for an evening packed with games and good vibes.

Join us for an evening packed with games and good vibes. Bring your friends or come solo and meet fellow animal lovers while enjoying a variety of games for all skill levels. Between rounds, take a break to learn more about our resources, events, and meet some of our adoptable pets.
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville
Jul 18 Saturday
Paws and Pavement Party
2:00pm–4:00pm CT

Join Best Friends and Queer Craft Corner at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center to create some chalk art on the center's spacious patio, meet some adoptable dogs and cats, and get crafty to make some dog toys for the pups in Best Friends' care!

Join Best Friends and Queer Craft Corner at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center to create some chalk art on the center's spacious patio, meet some adoptable dogs and cats, and get crafty to make some dog toys for the pups in Best Friends' care! 

Jul 24 Friday
Gotta Save Em' All Bingo *
5:00pm–6:00pm CT
Get ready for a night of fun, friendly competition, and furry friends at Gotta Save 'Em All!

Get ready for a night of fun, friendly competition, and furry friends at Gotta Save 'Em All!: Bingo Night! Join us for a Pokémon-themed bingo adventure at Best Friends, where every game helps support pets on their journey to finding loving homes. Test your bingo skills, win exciting prizes, and meet some of our real-life rescue stars who are waiting to be "caught" by their perfect families. Whether you're a lifelong Pokémon fan, a bingo enthusiast, or simply passionate about animal welfare, this event is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Come dressed as your favorite Pokémon Trainer, Pokémon, or in your best themed attire, and help us prove that while we may not be catching Pokémon, we're dedicated to helping homeless pets find their forever teams. Gotta Save Them All! Because every pet deserves a chance to evolve into a beloved family member.
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville
Jul 31 Friday
Paint N' Sip *
4:30pm–6:30pm CT
Paint with Purpose: You’ll have the opportunity to paint one of the bright faces of our adoptable animals looking for a home!

Paint with Purpose: You’ll have the opportunity to paint one of the bright faces of our adoptable animals looking for a home! Any artist level is encouraged to come and paint a portrait of any of our adoptable animals that will go home with their future adopter. BYOB!: Feel free to bring a drink or snacks to enjoy as you paint, we'll have limited options to drink for attendees. Don't forget to bring a friend to enjoy the food and fun with! Meet the Models: Get to know the pets you’ll be painting! Before we begin, you’ll have the chance to meet and learn about the furry friends who will be featured in your artwork. Let’s paint a brighter future for our pets, one brushstroke at a time. The event is free, but registration is required. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville
Aug 1 Saturday
Super Adoption *
11:00am–4:00pm MT
Featuring dozens of rescue groups and animal shelters from around the area, Best Friends Super Adoption is the perfect way to meet hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs in one convenient spot.

Featuring dozens of rescue groups and animal shelters from around the area, Best Friends Super Adoption is the perfect way to meet hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs in one convenient spot. So bring the family and enjoy pet-related vendors, kid-friendly activities, food, a photo booth, and more. Early access passes are available, which entitle attendees to enter the event at 10 a.m. and get you a free tote bag and discounts on Best Friends swag.
Location: Mountain America Expo Center | 9575 S. State St., Sandy, UT
Oct 19 Monday
Benefit to Save Them All
6:00pm–10:00pm ET

The Best Friends Benefit to Save Them All is an annual fundraising gala in New York City that brings together passionate animal lovers, philanthropists, and advocates from across the country.

Location: The Glasshouse

660 12th Ave.
New York City, NY
United States

Pet events happening across the country

Whether it’s finding your next best friend at one of our many animal adoption events, volunteering at your local shelter, or participating in pet-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.

United States map with highlights for Los Angeles, Northwest Arkansas, Houston, Salt Lake City, and New York City

Don’t live near a Best Friends location?

There are still plenty of shelters and rescue groups around the country hosting events to help homeless pets.

Simply fill in your email address, and we'll send you a list of shelters closest to where you live, along with some simple tips about how you can help homeless pets and all the dog adoption events and free adoption events happening near you.

Special events

Once a year, we bring animal lovers and advocates together for something worth getting dressed up for. Reserve your tickets and be part of it.
Tabby and white cat wearing an orange bow tie

Join Us for the Best Friends Benefit to Save Them All

The Best Friends Benefit to Save Them All is a special evening that brings together passionate and dedicated people in New York and from around the country.

When: Monday, October 19
Where: The Glasshouse, 660 12th Ave., New York City, NY

Common questions about pet events and activities

What kinds of events does Best Friends Animal Society host?

All kinds! We host animal adoption events, galas, animal welfare conferences, kitten yoga, puppy yoga, crafts for pets, volunteer days, and pop-up events at partner locations across the country. Some events are on a national scale, while others are specific to our centers in Los Angeles, Houston, Salt Lake City, New York City, and Northwest Arkansas. Be sure to browse all our upcoming events above or check your city’s page for more local programming.

How do I find pet events near me?

The easiest way is to check the upcoming events list at the top of this page, or go directly to your nearest Best Friends location using the links above. You can also enter your ZIP code to find partner shelters and dog and cat adoption events in your community.

Are Best Friends’ adoption events free?

Adoption fees vary by event and location. Many of our adoption events feature waived or reduced fees, especially during national campaigns. Check the individual event listing for details.

Can I volunteer at a Best Friends event?

Yes. Volunteers are a big part of what makes our events work. Visit our events volunteer page to find opportunities near you.

How do I host my own fundraising event for Best Friends?

Anyone can host a fundraiser to benefit Best Friends and the animals in our care. From backyard bake sales to community walks, every event counts. Visit our “Host an event” page to get started.

What is Best Friends National Conference?

Best Friends National Conference is our annual gathering for animal welfare professionals, shelter staff, rescue volunteers, and advocates from across the country. It covers the latest in lifesaving strategies, shelter programming, and no-kill advocacy. Check this page for dates and registration when the next conference is announced.

Get involved with animal events near you

Once a year, we bring animal lovers and advocates together for something worth getting dressed up for. Reserve your tickets and be part of it.
Pug like dog wearing birthday hat, surrounded by balloons and a birthday cake

Host an event

You don’t have to wait for us to bring an event to your community. People across the country host fundraisers, adoption drives, and awareness events that raise critical funds and save lives. Ready to get started?
Calico cat sitting on couch with person in background

Become a Golden Circle member

Golden Circle members are dedicated supporters who go the extra mile for animals and receive exclusive access to special Best Friends events. Join a community of animal lovers and make a long-lasting difference in the lives of homeless pets by becoming a Golden Circle member today.
Two volunteers in orange volunteer shirts giving thumbs up at conference booth table

Volunteer at an event

Behind every Best Friends event is a team of volunteers who make it all possible. Become a part of the magic and join a team of volunteers near you.
Best Friends Animal Society logo mark

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends is working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters in part by getting more pets out of shelters and into loving homes.

We’ve come a long way since the first known city reached no-kill in 1994, and now we’re closer than ever to making the entire country no-kill. Of the roughly 3,900 shelters operating in America today, 1,300 of them are not yet no-kill, but nearly half are close with 100 or fewer additional pets to be saved, and we know what to do to get them there.

Best Friends is committed to working with passionate people like you to save homeless pets through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and advocacy. In addition to our pet adoption centers around the U.S, we also founded and run the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.

Working together, we can save homeless pets in our communities and secure a better future for our best friends. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill.