Smiling woman holding brown dog close in front of adoption event tent

Discover animal adoption events and pet-friendly activities nationwide

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

9 upcoming events
* = registration required
Jul 6 Monday
→
Jul 31 Friday
$25 Adoptions
All Day

Soak up Summer with a new Best Friend!

Soak up Summer with a new Best Friend!

View our adoptable pets!
Sumer Cat
Jul 6 Monday
→
Jul 31 Friday
$25 Adoptions
All Day

Soak Up Summer with a New Best Friend!

Soak Up Summer with a New Best Friend!

View Our Adoptable Pets
Sumer Cat
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
I Want to Attend
Jul 25 Saturday
Adoption Event at Black Swan Yoga
10:00am–2:00pm CT
Location: Black Swan Yoga

1201 Westheimer Road, Suite E
Houston, TX 77006
United States

Jul 25 Saturday
Pet Club BK Adoption Event
1:00pm–4:00pm ET
We are heading back to Pet Club BK (522 Myrtle Ave) this Saturday, July 25th, and we’re bringing a whole new lineup of adoptable friends with us!
Stop by between 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM to meet adorable kittens and cats who are ready to make your summer unforgettable.
And yes, adoption fees are completely waived!
Location: Pet Club BK

522 Myrtle Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11205
United States

Learn More
Adoption Event Flyer
Jul 26 Sunday
Pet One Veterinary Cat & Dog Adoption Event
11:00am–2:00pm ET
Rockville Centre, get ready! 
We’ll be at Pet One Veterinary with adoptable cats, kittens, and dogs for a fun-filled community event!
When: Surday, July 26 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Pet One Veterinary Rockville Centre 
  • Adoptable pets ready for loving homes
  •  Pet safety education & tips
  •  Fun activities for kids
  •  Delicious treats & snacks
Location: Pet One Veterinary Rockville Center

120 N Village Ave
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
United States

RSVP
Flyer for adoption Event
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
I Want to Attend
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
I Want to Attend
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

Save My Spot

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

Los Angeles

Kitten yoga, adoption events, and more

Whether you're looking for kitten yoga, puppy yoga, dog-friendly events, volunteer days, pop-up events, or animal adoption events, Los Angeles has it all — and our Best Friends Pet Adoption Center is right in the middle of it.

Find events in Los Angeles
Northwest Arkansas

Adoption fairs and pet-friendly activities

From pet adoption fairs and pet-friendly activities to animal events and puppy yoga suitable for the whole family, there's always something happening in Bentonville for you and your pets at our Best Friends Pet Resource Center.

Find events in Northwest Arkansas
Houston

Adoption events and volunteer opportunities

Animal adoption events, volunteer opportunities, and dog-friendly activities are happening year-round in Houston, and our Best Friends Pet Lifesaving Center is where it all comes together.

Find events in Houston
Salt Lake City

Adoption events and family-friendly activities

Animal adoption events and pet-friendly activities for the whole family are waiting for you in Salt Lake City at our Best Friends Pet Adoption Center.

Find events in Salt Lake City
New York City

Animal events and adoption opportunities

Find upcoming animal events, adoption opportunities, and ways to support homeless pets in and around New York City.

Find events in 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

Smiling person sitting with a large dog on a couch in a home environment

Join thousands taking action for no-kill

National Action Week for Animals | August 24-29
Learn how to advocate and make real change for the animals in your community at this free virtual event. Whether you’ve advocated for years or this is your first time, you’ll leave knowing exactly how you can help create a brighter future for pets.
Sign Up for Free
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
Get the Event Details

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?
Host an Event
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.
Join the Golden Circle
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.
Find Volunteer Opportunities
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.