10 Valentine’s Day Ideas for Shelters and Rescues

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I have to admit that, as a cheezy-pun, heart-graphic, and red-pink-colorway enthusiast, I really enjoy content creation this time of year. To spark my creativity a bit, I searched the web for past and present Valentine’s Day campaigns, events, and fundraisers focused on helping shelter and rescue pets find their forever homes. And the Internet did not disappoint – whether for an elaborate adoption event or just some social media posts, there’s no shortage of inspiration.

Here are 10 creative Valentine’s Day ideas that stood out to me. Take a look and don’t forget to share your own suggestions in the comments below!

Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

For Valentine’s Day 2019, the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center hosted a movie and adoption event.

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

In 2017, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter posted a parody of a famous reality TV show to draw attention to their adoptable canine bachelors and bachelorettes for Valentine’s Day.

Austin Humane Society

For Valentine’s Day 2019, the Austin Humane Society used eCards to raise funds.

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control

In 2020, the Fort Worth Animal Shelter hosted a Shelter Dog Slumber Party, asking its community to foster a dog on Valentine’s weekend.

Gwinnet Animal Shelter

For Valentine’s Day 2020, the Gwinnett Animal Shelter hosted the Find Your Sweetheart Adoption Event.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

In 2016, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) promoted Valentine’s Day–themed adoption specials. Visit the ASPCA website for some funny images featuring adorable dogs and punny lines.

Asheville Humane Society

For Valentine’s Day 2020, the Asheville Humane Society promoted an adoption special, starting off its accompanying social media post copy with a poem.

Fayetteville Animal Services

In 2020 (and prior years), Fayetteville Animal Services offered puppy-grams for Valentine’s Day. In exchange for a donation, people could send their special someone a visit from a shelter dog.

Chicago Animal Care and Control

For Valentine’s Day 2019, Chicago Animal Care and Control hosted a Meet Your Match Adoption Event, which included “speed dating” to allow participants to get to know adoptable dogs and cats.

SPCA of Texas

For Valentine’s Day this year, the SPCA of Texas is hosting a virtual version of its annual PALentine’s Day Adoption Event.

For even more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board:

Content Creation Marketing

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Denise is a marketing translator, specializing in creative marketing translations for websites, social media, and email, and a volunteer marketer and content creator at her local animal shelter. Living in rural Texas, she enjoys the small-town, between-country-and-city life with her husband and two dogs. She’s also a coffee aficionada, a language lover, a travel and nature enthusiast, a fitness and fashion fan, and a keen supporter of the Oxford comma.

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