Spring Momentum: 50 Piggest Dogs Adopted, $63K Raised, Lifesaving Volunteer Impact
Big Wins, Bigger Impact: Celebrating April & Early May 2026 at Cincinnati Animal CARE
Spring has been packed with lifesaving, community-powered momentum at Cincinnati Animal CARE. From record-breaking fundraising efforts to incredible adoption events and meaningful volunteer celebrations, April and early May reminded us just how powerful this community can be when people come together for animals in need. Here are just a few of the moments worth celebrating!
Shelter Slumber Pawty Recap Video by CARE
Shelter Slumber Pawty Raises Over $63,000 for Shelter Pets
In April, 25 dedicated supporters traded the comfort of their own beds for a night inside our shelter during our very first Shelter Slumber Pawty. Participants spent the night at our 4210 Dane Avenue shelter, sleeping alongside adoptable dogs in kennels and in our cat rooms to experience firsthand the stress, resilience, and hope that define daily life for shelter pets waiting for homes.
The goal of the event was simple but powerful: help people better understand what shelter animals experience while raising critical funds to help pets get out of the shelter faster. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the event exceeded every expectation. Together, 945 donors helped raise an incredible $63,159 — absolutely blowing past our original $50,000 goal! For a first-year event, the impact was extraordinary, and we are beyond grateful to every participant, donor, and supporter who helped make it such a meaningful success.
“Piggest” Adoption Event Ever Sends 50 Dogs Home
From Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3, our shelters were buzzing with excitement during our “Piggest Adoption Event Ever,” held alongside Flying Pig Marathon weekend festivities. Over the course of just three days, 50 dogs found homes with loving families ready to give them the futures they deserved.
Even more exciting was the number of longer length-of-stay pets who finally got their happy endings. Dogs with an average length of stay of 55 days walked out the doors with adopters, including beloved pets like Rey Mysterio, Salt N Peppa, Pocus, Genie, Big Papa, Cris Cyborg, Petunia Girl, and Ms. Mam. Watching these dogs finally leave the shelter after waiting weeks — and in some cases months — was incredibly emotional for staff, volunteers, and fosters alike. We are so thankful to our community for showing up in such a huge way during waived adoption fees weekend.
If you missed the event, there are still so many amazing animals waiting for homes. And remember: adoption fees for senior pets ages 8 and older are always waived. Senior pets make incredible companions, and we encourage everyone to check out the wonderful older dogs and cats currently available on our website.
Flying Fur 2026 by CARE
Flying Pig Marathon Weekend Brings Community & Shelter Pets Together
Flying Pig Marathon weekend was another exciting opportunity for Cincinnati Animal CARE to connect with the community while celebrating movement, resilience, and second chances. Our team and volunteers proudly participated in Flying Fur festivities, helping represent shelter pets and spreading awareness about adoption, fostering, and volunteer opportunities.
One of the stars of the weekend was Tilly, our adorable wheelchair-using hound dog who captured hearts everywhere she rolled. Tilly served as a beautiful reminder that specially-abled dogs are just as joyful, loving, and capable as any other pet. Watching the community rally around animals like Tilly is always inspiring and highlights how much compassion exists throughout Cincinnati for pets of all abilities.
Volunteer Appreciation Video by CARE
Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Lifesaving
At the end of April, we celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week, culminating in our Volunteer Appreciation Party on April 23. The event gave us an opportunity to recognize and thank the incredible people who make so much of our lifesaving work possible each and every day.
The impact our volunteers made over the past year is truly astounding. Together, volunteers contributed 61,276 hours of service, welcomed 671 new volunteers into the program, and helped grow our community to 1,266 currently registered volunteers. They also spent 14,261 hours walking dogs — the equivalent of 42,783 miles walked for shelter pets needing exercise, enrichment, and love. Every single walk, cuddle, adoption event, transport, cleaning shift, foster support task, and social media share matters. We are endlessly grateful for the people who give their time, energy, and heart to our animals and our community.
Want to Get Involved This Spring?
There are so many ways to support the lifesaving happening every day at Cincinnati Animal CARE. You can adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, attend an event, share adoptable pets online, or simply help spread awareness about the animals waiting for homes. Kitten season is ramping up this spring, shelters across the country continue facing capacity challenges, and community support truly makes all the difference.
If you have been thinking about getting involved, spring is the perfect time! Whether you can give an hour, open your home temporarily, or help one pet find visibility online, your support directly impacts the lives of animals in our community. Together, we are creating more second chances every single day. Sign up to volunteer here!
