Now going into its fifth year, Remember Me Thursday’s goal is to unite individuals and pet adoption organizations around the world to be an unstoppable, integrated voice for orphan pets in need of forever homes.

Millions of adoptable pets will lose their lives in 2017, according to Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center.

We may be from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but together, we can raise our voices and share one life-saving message and literally save millions of pets on this one day.

At Paws, we learned that in the previous four years of the campaign, 180 countries supported the movement with hundreds of thousands of individuals and more than 700 separate animal welfare organizations around the globe holding candle-lighting ceremonies of their own, spreading the message on social media, visiting the Remember Me Thursday website, or lighting a virtual candle. Celebrities such as Diane Keaton, Carrie Ann Inaba, Katherine Heigl, Pauley Perrette and dozens more have used social media to share the “opt to adopt” message and save orphan pets. In 2016, social media pet stars such as Lil Bub, Cole & Marmalade, and Tuna Melts My Heart also joined the cause.

Spread Awareness, Win Life-Saving Food or Funds!

There’s a contest as well. In 2016, lucky pet-lovers entered to win life-saving food or funds for a non-profit of their choice just by adding their adopted pet’s photo to the #RememberTheRescue Photo Wall. Their photos and stories helped shine a light on orphan pets waiting for forever homes. You can enter your beloved rescue pet into 2017’s #RememberTheRescue Challenge! Share your love for your rescue pet and help adoptable pets right now.

Spread the word to adopt pets

Grassroots programs and events sprung up around the world, in Germany, Mexico, Canada, Spain, the Philippines, Japan, Puerto Rico, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many more. Thousands of candles have been lit at the Remember Me Thursday virtual candle gallery,and thousands more have been lit at ceremonies honoring orphan pets around the globe. If you are a pet adoption organization, or an animal rescue, and you would like to join Remember Me Thursday, you can register to become a partner organization here! Looking for ideas? Check out the ways other organizations participate here.