Valentine’s Day Shelter Event Ideas

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate love in all its forms—especially the unconditional kind that comes with four paws and a wagging tail. For animal shelters, it’s a golden opportunity to raise funds, boost adoptions, and bring joy to the community. Whether you’re planning a cheeky anti-Valentine’s campaign or a heartwarming open house, these creative event ideas will help you turn February 14 into a day of connection and compassion.

Valentine’s Day Shelter Event Ideas

CrappyEx Fundraisers

Not everyone feels the love on Valentine’s Day—and that’s exactly what makes CrappyEx fundraisers so effective. Lee County Humane Society in Alabama invited donors to write their ex’s name on litterbox liners for a $5 donation, ensuring poetic justice via feline bathroom breaks. Animal Harbor took it a step further with their “Fix Your Ex” campaign, where a $50 donation named a feral cat after an ex and funded its spay/neuter through their TNR program. These events use humor to raise awareness about overpopulation while giving the heartbroken a chance to heal—and help.

Take a Shelter Dog on a Date

Chewy’s Dogs Date Out campaign partnered with nearly 50 shelters to encourage the public to take shelter dogs on Valentine’s Day outings. Participants received supplies from Chewy and spent the day walking, cuddling, or adventuring with a furry friend. It’s a low-barrier way to introduce potential adopters to dogs in need of homes. Shelters can join the Chewy Shelter and Rescue Network to access future campaigns and resources.

Valentine’s Bake Sale

A classic bake sale gets a sweet twist for Valentine’s Day. Hart County Animal Shelter in Kentucky offered banana bread, pineapple upside-down loaf, cookies, and chocolate strawberry cupcakes—all homemade and heart-shaped. These events are easy to organize and perfect for volunteers who love to bake. Bonus points for packaging treats in festive red and pink boxes.

Valentine’s Gift Boxes

Gift baskets are a thoughtful way to raise funds while offering supporters something tangible. Caldwell County Animal Shelter created themed baskets—spa, sweets, wine tasting—and even offered a Deluxe Spa Basket for $80. All proceeds went toward purchasing dog food. Volunteers can assemble and promote the baskets online or at in-person events.

Valentine’s Open House

Invite the community to fall in love—literally—at a Valentine’s Day Open House. Include shelter tours, crafts for kids, light refreshments, and a raffle featuring a Valentine’s Basket filled with donated goodies. Add a kissing booth with friendly dogs for a small donation and capture the fun with a photographer. These events are great for building relationships and showcasing adoptable pets in a relaxed setting.

Valentine Pictures with Your Pet

Set up a themed photo booth with hearts, cupids, and pink props. Offer professional or volunteer photography in exchange for a donation. Some shelters include kissing booths where guests can pose with their own pets—or a shelter dog who enjoys the spotlight. These photos are social media gold and help promote adoptable animals.

Smooches for Pooches

This annual favorite combines fundraising with face-licking fun. Build a kissing booth and charge $1 per smooch from a friendly shelter dog. Some groups take the booth on the road, visiting local businesses and offering $5 cuddle sessions. The Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection in Virginia includes a kissing booth in its Valentine’s Day Pawty, alongside meet-and-greets and photo ops.

Valentine’s Tree

Repurpose a small tree and invite supporters to purchase heart ornaments in honor of their pets. Display the tree at the shelter or online, and livestream the hanging of each heart. It’s a touching way to honor beloved animals while raising funds and building community.

Partner with a Bakery or Restaurant

Many restaurants and bakeries are eager to support local causes. Set a date for a dine-to-donate event and promote it widely. In Virginia, a dog bakery made special Valentine’s cookies for shelter dogs and shared adorable photos on social media—boosting visibility for both the shelter and the business.

Valentine Promotions That Find Homes

Valentine’s Day is a powerful time to highlight adoptable pets. Furry Friends Adoption Clinic in Florida ran a “You Can’t Buy Love But You Can Adopt It” campaign with reduced fees for long-term residents. Onslow County Shelter in North Carolina posted Valentine-themed pet profiles to help dogs stand out. These small touches can lead to big outcomes.

Why These Events Matter

Valentine’s Day gives shelters a chance to tap into the emotional energy of the season—and channel it into something meaningful. Whether it’s laughter from a CrappyEx campaign or a tearful moment at a kissing booth, these events remind people that love comes in many forms. They also build visibility, deepen community ties, and help pets find the homes they deserve.

So this February, don’t just celebrate love—share it. And let your shelter be the place where hearts (and tails) find their match.