What happens when someone stays long enough to witness shelter life firsthand? On April 18, Iowa County Humane Society will join animal shelters across the country in the Shelter Slumber Pawty, a nationwide advocacy and fundraising event in which participants stay overnight inside animal shelters to raise awareness and funds for shelter animals. During the 24-hour event, participants will remain inside the shelter staying in kennels, cat rooms, offices, or other shelter spaces sharing their experience in real time and remaining present long enough for animals to settle, decompress, and connect. Unlike traditional fundraisers, the Shelter Slumber Pawty centers on staying. Participants raise funds for the care and treatment of shelter animals while helping their communities better understand what shelter life is like for the animals who stay there, while waiting for their next chapter. Data collected from shelters and participants indicates that animals often exhibit reduced stress behaviors and increased calmness during overnight stays, while participants consistently report a deeper understanding of shelter work and animal welfare. Fundraising officially launched March 27, kicking off the shelter’s ambitious $50,000 goal to support medical care, food, enrichment and daily operations for animals served by the Iowa County Humane Society. The Shelter Slumber Pawty will take place from 12:00 p.m. on April 18 through 12:00 p.m. on April 19. Members of the media are invited to visit the shelter during the event to observe, film, and speak with participants and staff. To learn more or support Iowa County Humane Society during the Shelter Slumber Pawty, visit https://www.shelterslumberpawty.com/event/ichs-slumberpawty
About the Shelter Slumber Pawty Founded in 2017, the Shelter Slumber Pawty is an annual, nationwide advocacy and fundraising event that raises funds and awareness for animal shelters through overnight stays with shelter animals. The event emphasizes presence, storytelling, and community engagement to improve outcomes for homeless pets. About the Iowa County Humane Society
The Iowa County Humane Society is a nonprofit organization committed to providing compassionate care and second chances to homeless dogs and cats in Iowa County and beyond. Through sheltering, medical care, enrichment, adoption and outreach, ICHS works to ensure every animal receives the care and dignity they deserve while waiting for their next chapter.