Every day, hundreds of animals lose their homes, but even in the darkest moments, they do not lose hope. It is we — adults — who can give children an important lesson: not just to be spectators, but to be those who act.
On August 16, the world observes International Homeless Animals Day. This day was established by the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) in 1992 to draw attention to the problem of homelessness and to improve the lives of animals that have ended up on the streets.
We invite preschool institutions and out-of-school facilities to join the "Furry Guest" campaign, aimed at teaching children to treat animals with care, fostering understanding of the problem of stray animals, and learning how to help them.
The campaign will take place on August 14 and 15, 2025 in all regions of Ukraine.
Essence of the campaign and its stages
Preparation:
- The teacher selects a soft toy (a cat or a dog) that will become the symbol of the campaign.
- The toy is placed in the classroom or on the playground so that children notice it.
Start of the campaign:
- The teacher draws children’s attention to the toy and tells them it is a “homeless animal” looking for a home.
- Discussion questions:
- Who are homeless animals?
- Why do animals lose their homes?
- How to behave when meeting such an animal.
To avoid provoking the animal, you should slowly start moving away from it. It is forbidden to:
а) swing a stick, branch, or hand at it and shout;
б) try to take away what the animal is eating (chewing);
в) run away from the place where you met the animal;
г) approach and pet an unfamiliar dog or cat.
- How can people help animals that have no owners?
Important! The teacher must emphasize to children that they should never approach or interact with animals on their own (without adults).
Activities with children:
- Together with the teacher, children create an “announcement” about the found animal (children draw an image of the animal in place of the photo). The announcement template can be downloaded here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YqxBvQacqZN4R0DulLiQ-hOm8XFXkiAS?usp=sharing (active link – click on it).
- The created announcements are placed in the classroom and around the playground.
- Throughout the day, the teacher and children “take care” of the guest: give it water, “feed” it, show care.
End of the campaign:
- At the end of the day, the teacher says someone is calling and lets the children listen to a recording – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hTAApy_apykokJCK38WXok-AaqM3bzff?usp=sharing , or explains that kind people have already called and taken the animal into a loving family. If possible, the teacher can print “Animal Helper” diplomas for the children - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10J4rdLLN--UCxFDVqsiU4pcRIr-WbY5M?usp=sharing.
- Discussion with children: why it is important to help homeless animals and what everyone can do for them.
During the campaign, take photos and, after its completion, share the children’s impressions in a social media post with hashtags #happypaw #bioetika #ПухнастийГість .
Аcknowledgment and gifts
If you want to receive an electronic аcknowledgment certificate and take part in a draw for 20 “Pets” puzzle sets and 20 “Quick Paws” game sets (3 items per set) from our Foundation and Purina, fill out the form by August 20, 2025 - https://forms.gle/aqyPM75DMqxkHJqw8
Consent to the processing of personal data of the participant
Participation in the event automatically gives consent to the processing of personal data of the participant during the event.
By submitting a report on photos, videos, other audiovisual works on which natural persons are depicted (filmed), the Participant is responsible to the Fund for obtaining from such natural persons consent to filming and the right to use and distribute photos, videos, other audiovisual works for of their participation, in particular, in the case of claims against the Fund, undertakes to reimburse the Fund for all funds collected from the Fund, expenses related to the resolution of such claims.
By submitting a photo report, the participant grants the Fund the right to post the videos/photos provided by the participant for public viewing, to use such photos in any way, to allow and/or prohibit the use of such photos by third parties.
If you have questions
If you have any additional questions, email us at bioetika@happypaw.ua, or call: +380676588020 – Elvina, +380672183267 – Hanna
The “Furry Guest” campaign is about more than animals. It is about empathy, responsibility, and the power of small good deeds. It is a chance to teach children not to be afraid to care, to support, and to change the world around them — starting with one story, one furry guest, and one good act. This is our investment in the future.
Let’s make this world kinder together!
