Remember Me Thursday takes place annually on the fourth Thursday of September. In 2026, this date falls on September 24. This global awareness campaign unites animal lovers, shelters, and rescue organizations to shine a light on the millions of dogs and cats waiting for forever homes. It is a day for lighting candles, sharing stories, and making a commitment to animal welfare.

History of Remember Me Thursday

The campaign grew out of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a California-based animal welfare organization that wanted to give orphaned pets a voice. The idea is simple: set aside one day each year to remember the animals that are often forgotten, and to encourage adoption over purchase. The effort quickly gained traction among rescue groups and shelters, and it now includes resources for organizations to register, plan events, and connect with supporters.

Today, Remember Me Thursday is a worldwide movement. The official campaign reports support from more than 140 countries and territories, including Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the United States. On the fourth Thursday of September, people light candles, share photographs, and use the hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #RememberTheRescue to spread the message. The goal is to make sure that every pet waiting in a shelter gets the chance to find a loving home. The campaign also celebrates animal luminaries and rescue pets that have become symbols of hope.

Why is Remember Me Thursday important?

Every year, millions of dogs and cats enter shelters across the country. They are not unwanted because of anything they did; they are victims of circumstance, often surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them or found as strays. Too many of these animals are euthanized simply because there are not enough adopters. Remember Me Thursday forces us to confront this reality and to acknowledge that these lives matter. The day is a call to action for everyone, whether they are looking for a pet or not, to support the effort to find homes for these animals.

The day is also a celebration of the joy that rescue animals bring. Pets adopted from shelters become loyal companions, and their stories remind us that every animal deserves a second chance. By raising awareness, the campaign helps change the way people think about adopting pets. Here are a few reasons why this day matters:

It draws attention to the millions of healthy, loving pets waiting in shelters and rescues.
It inspires people to choose adoption over buying from breeders or pet stores.
It encourages communities to support local animal shelters through donations and volunteering.
It promotes the idea that spaying and neutering can reduce pet overpopulation and save lives.
It provides a unifying moment for animal advocates around the world to share stories and solutions.

How to Celebrate Remember Me Thursday

There are many meaningful ways to take part in Remember Me Thursday. One of the simplest is to light a candle in honor of all the pets who have passed and those still waiting for homes. You can also share a photo of your adopted companion on social media with the campaign’s hashtags to help spread awareness in your network. Whether you light a candle or post a picture, your participation adds to the global chorus.

Shelters and rescue groups can register with the official Remember Me Thursday website to join the global celebration. For individuals, the options are just as practical: volunteer at a local shelter, donate supplies or money, or even welcome a new pet into your home. No act is too small when it comes to saving a life.

Adopt a dog or cat from a shelter or rescue group instead of a breeder.
Foster an animal to help it transition to a forever home and free up shelter space.
Post a rescue story and use #RememberMeThursday to inspire your friends and family.
Donate food, bedding, or funds to an animal welfare organization in your community.
Encourage your workplace or school to host an adoption drive or educational event.