Join the International Pet Appreciation Movement!

Christy Griffin
Mar 29
3 min read

We are calling on animal advocates everywhere to participate in simple, impactful International Pet Appreciation actions in their communities.

Together, we can combat the cruelty of the Yulin Dog Meat “Festival” (happening on June 21) with a powerful, global outpouring of love for dogs and cats.

*San Francisco Bay Area Duo Duo Pack members at the 2025 International Pet Appreciation planning party.*

From April 21 to June 21, 2026, communities around the world will participate in photo ops, dog parties, and pet appreciation gatherings, and we would love for you to be part of it.

Every action makes a difference. And the best part? It’s easier to organize an International Pet Appreciation action than you think!

Ways to Participate

Keep it simple: Take a selfie (or short video) with your dog or cat while holding our International Pet Appreciation sign, or make a sign with a marker and a sheet of paper. Message ideas for your homemade sign: Family not Food, Stop the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, End the Dog Meat Trade, End the Cat Meat Trade, or get creative with a message of your own.

*Young supporters in Tokyo held an International Pet Appreciation outreach event on their university campus.*

Share the love: Upload your photo with a short message about why you appreciate your animal companions and/or why you oppose the dog and cat meat trade by Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Please also share your photo with the social media version of How You Can Help on your own social media pages using these hashtags: #PetAppreciation #StopYulinFestival #EndDogMeatTrade #EndCatMeatTrade #DuoDuoProject

If you want to do more, make an afternoon of it! Gather family and friends in your yard for a dog party with fun, food, and photo ops. Or host a picnic at your local park. Or organize an outreach event at your local shelter or pet-friendly business. There are so many great ways to participate in the International Pet Appreciation Movement!

*Members of the Duo Duo Pack UK hosted an International Pet Appreciation picnic in London.*

Make sure to have a How You Can Help information sheet on hand to let folks know about the work Duo Duo Project is doing to end the cruel Yulin Dog Meat "Festival" and the cruel dog and cat meat trade that fuels it. Don't forget to take photos with your signs.

We Are Here to Help

Download and print your International Pet Appreciation 8.5” x 11” sign or make your own. (Feel free to reuse a banner from a previous year if you have one.)
Download and print Duo Duo Project’s How You Can Help information sheet.
Read and share our report: Yulin Dog Meat Festival Exposed.

Need support? Reach out to Duo Duo Project’s Director of Development and Campaigns, Christy Griffin, at christy.g@duoduoproject.org, for guidance and resources.

The best International Pet Appreciation photos we receive will be featured on our social media, newsletter, and website. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram!

*Supporters in Cocula hosted an International Pet Appreciation dog party in their backyard.*

Be Part of Something Meaningful

Over the past four years, our community has created inspiring events rooted in compassion and connection. At its heart, this movement is about the bond we share with dogs and cats, and the joy, comfort, and companionship they bring into our lives. It is a chance to appreciate them while standing up for those who are still suffering in the horrific dog and cat meat trade.

For the first time, we have International Pet Appreciation t-shirts available for purchase. Funds raised through t-shirt sales will go directly towards expanding our spay/neuter initiative and humane education efforts in China.

Organize an International Pet Appreciation get-together in your community and help amplify our message of love, kindness, and protection. Together, we can show the world that dogs and cats are family, not food.