Summer of Second Chances: Creative Ways You Can Help Pets Find Homes
Phew! It’s hot out there! Hopefully you and your friends and family are finding creative and fun ways to stay cool and beat the heat. I’m hoping that with this blog, I’ll be able to inspire you to add a few more “cool” and “pawsome” things to do this summer – with a twist of course!
As many of you have heard — and some of you have experienced firsthand — adoptions are slow right now. Shelters and rescue organizations across the country, including Bideawee, are seeing more animals coming in and fewer going home. It’s a tough reality, but one I believe we should meet with creativity, compassion, and community.
The good news? Summer is a season full of opportunities to turn this trend around. Whether you’re a longtime Bideawee supporter, a recent adopter, a foster, donor, or just someone who wants to make a difference — you have the power to help pets find their forever families in fun and meaningful ways.
Here are some unique ideas to inspire you this summer:
- Host a “Yappy Hour” or “Caturday Social”
Get your friends, family, and neighbors together for a summer get-together with a purpose! A dog-friendly “Yappy Hour” or cat-themed backyard party is a great way to raise awareness about adopting pets from Bideawee. You can share stories of your adopted pets, hand out flyers featuring adoptable animals, and even collect donations to support our lifesaving work.
- Take Adoptable Dogs on Adventures
If you’re a Bideawee foster, consider taking your foster dog on local outings — a walk in the park, a visit to a pet-friendly cafe, or even a beach stroll (on leash, of course!). Outings like these give dogs exposure to new people, and you never know — someone might fall in love and adopt them!
- Become a “Petfluencer”
Social media can be a powerful tool. Share photos, videos, and stories of adoptable pets from Bideawee on your social channels. Don’t forget to tag us and use hashtags like #Bideaweealumni, #Bideawee, and #AdoptDontShop,. The more eyes on our animals, the more likely they’ll find homes!
- Create a Summer Project for Kids
Get the little ones involved! Encourage your children to host a Lemonade Stand for Pets, read to a foster dog or create artwork featuring adoptable pets. Not only are they fun summer activities, but their projects can be shared online and inspire others! Be sure to take photos and videos and tag us on social.
- Make Adoption “Pop” with Pop-Up Events
Do you have access to a local business, brewery, gym, or boutique? Partner with us to host a Bideawee pop-up adoption event or info table. We’ll bring the pets, and you bring the people. These events are a fantastic way to introduce adoptable animals to new audiences in fun, informal settings.
- Share Your Adoption Story
Former adopters, we want to hear from you! Sharing your adoption journey — the joys, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments — helps others see the value of choosing adoption. Submit your story to us, post it online, or even record a short video. Real stories change hearts.
- Participate in our Summer Photo Contest!
Show off your pet’s silly side in this year’s Make Me Laugh Pet Photo Contest. This photo contest isn’t just fun… it’s a win-win. Contestants and voters like you are helping Bideawee raise critical funds to provide life-saving care for animals in need. Learn more on our photo contest website.
At Bideawee, we know that it takes a village to save lives — and we’re so grateful that you’re part of ours. This summer, let’s spread the word, open hearts, and help even more pets find the homes they deserve.
Together, we can make this the Summer of Second Chances.