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

11 upcoming events
* = registration required
Aug 1 Saturday
→
Aug 31 Monday
Clear the Shelters
All Day

Adoption fees waived through August!

Adoption fees waived through August!

Find a participating shelter or rescue near you
Aug 9 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
I Want to Attend
Aug 9 Sunday
Pet & Play Sunday
See details for times

Drop by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center for Pet & Play Sunday!

Drop by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center for Pet & Play Sunday! Each week, we're diving into a fun and creative activity that's purr-fect for the whole family.

The craft schedule for August is:

August 2: Dog Ear Headbands
August 9: Origami Pet Bookmarks
August 16: Cat Wands
August 23: School Bus Popsicle Buddy
August 30: Felt Flags

This event is free. All supplies are provided and participants of all ages are welcome.

Please contact eventsnwa@bestfriends.org for more information.

Sunday, August 9: 11:00am–5:00pm CT
Sunday, August 16: 11:00am–5:00pm CT
Sunday, August 23: 11:00am–5:00pm CT
Sunday, August 30: 11:00am–5:00pm CT
Learn more
Aug 9 Sunday
A New Chapter Begins - Little Free Library Ribbon Cutting Celebration *
11:00am–4:00pm CT
Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of our new Little Free Library!

Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of our new Little Free Library! Stop by for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, explore our newest community resource, and help us kick off a space where neighbors can take a book, leave a book, and share the joy of reading. While you're here, meet some adorable adoptable pets and celebrate the power of stories, community, and second chances. Everyone is welcome! 📚🐾
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center
I Want to Attend
Aug 15 Saturday
YETI Adoption Event
12:00pm–3:00pm PT

Go home with the ultimate YETI accessory, a new best friend!

Go home with the ultimate YETI accessory, a new best friend!

Learn More
YETI adoption event flyer
Aug 15 Saturday
Loteria *
5:00pm–6:00pm CT
Looking for a fun night out?

Looking for a fun night out? Bring your friends and family to Lotería Night for an evening full of games, laughter, and furry friends! Play a few rounds of Lotería (Mexican bingo) for the chance to win exciting prizes, meet adorable adoptable pets, and explore all the amazing things we offer for pet lovers in the community. Whether you’re here to play games, meet adorable animals, or discover opportunities to volunteer, foster, adopt, or access pet owner resources, there’s something for everyone. It’s a fun-filled evening you won’t want to miss! 🎟️ Important Registration Information: This event is FREE, but space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Please register every member of your party that plans to come. Registered guests must check in within 15 minutes of start time, or your spots may not be guaranteed. If you need to cancel or change your registration, please email eventsnwa@bestfriends.org.
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center
I Want to Attend
Aug 21 Friday
Kitty Bingo *
5:00pm–6:00pm CT
Join Best Friends Animal Society for Kitty Bingo, a meow-velous twist on a classic game!

Join Best Friends Animal Society for Kitty Bingo, a meow-velous twist on a classic game! This is cat-themed bingo featuring cute kitty designs and fun prizes. Whether you’re a cat lover, bingo enthusiast, or just looking for a sweet way to spend your evening, this event is sure to be a paws-itively good time. Spots are limited, so register today! 🌸🎉 🎟️ Tickets: This event is FREE, but space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Please register every member of your party that plans to come. Registered guests must check in within 10 minutes of start time, or their spot may not be guaranteed. If you need to cancel your registration, please email eventsnwa@bestfriends.org.
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center
I Want to Attend
Aug 23 Sunday
Beyond the Walk: Deepening Your Bond with Your Pets Workshop *
3:00pm–4:00pm CT
This interactive workshop supports pet guardians with practical tips for creating a safe, enriching, and stable home environment for their pets.

This interactive workshop supports pet guardians with practical tips for creating a safe, enriching, and stable home environment for their pets. Attendees will learn simple ways to meet their pet’s physical and emotional needs, prevent common challenges, and access helpful resources. By strengthening the home environment, this event empowers families to build lasting bonds and keep pets happy, healthy, and at home.
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center
I Want to Attend
Aug 28 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
I Want to Attend
Aug 29 Saturday
Dog Treat Lab *
11:00am–1:00pm CT
This is a fun, laid-back, drop-in program for all ages, making tasty homemade dog treats in our orange kitchen at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center!

This is a fun, laid-back, drop-in program for all ages, making tasty homemade dog treats in our orange kitchen at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center! Make them for your own pooch, or give them to the dogs at the center!
Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center
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.