International Homeless Animals' Day opens eyes and raises awareness

In 1992, Helen Jones -- the International Society for Animal Rights founder -- declared every third Saturday in August to be International Homeless Animals' Day.

Shockingly, only one out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home, and homeless animals outnumber homeless people at a ratio of five homeless animals to every one homeless person.

IHAD is very important, especially when it comes to adopting homeless cats and dogs. Due to the lack of adoption, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren't enough adoptive homes for the animals.

Since its creation, IHAD has been celebrated in all 50 states in the U.S., and in over 50 countries and 6 continents. Activities for IHAD often include adopt-a-thons, candlelight vigils, spay and neuter clinics and microchip clinics.

See the gallery below for a collection of photos of adorable pets:

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