1.7 Million Stray Dogs, One Simple Way to Make a Difference This International Dog Day

Jackie Quail is Hill’s Shelter Channel Manager and a dedicated, highly motivated Event Manager with a proven track record in planning and executing events across both corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has extensive experience managing events of all sizes, from weddings to large-scale conferences, with a strong focus on customer service and hospitality.

International Dog Day today, 26 August 2025, is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the joy, loyalty, and unconditional love dogs bring into our lives. However, it’s also a day to acknowledge the many dogs still waiting for their forever homes in shelters.

In South Africa, thousands of dogs spend weeks, months, or even years hoping for that moment when someone chooses them. There are more than 1.7 million stray dogs in the country and only 650,000 shelter spaces, a stark reminder that adoption can be life-changing.

International Dog Day

This year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition marked International Dog Day by setting out to match shelter dogs with their own interim best friends while they wait to find their forever homes. Repurposed Hill’s branded materials, such as old banners, bandanas, shirts, and jackets, were upcycled into colourful, durable dog toys. These toys, affectionately named ‘Hillies’, were hand-delivered to shelters around the country with dogs choosing their favourite toy.

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These heartwarming moments of the Hillies' journey to the shelters to find their perfect match were documented on film and photographed.

New best friends

The pure delight of dogs choosing their new best friends from a pile of toys is beautiful to see. Some dogs pounced immediately; others took their time, sniffing and testing before finding ‘the one.’ Every choice revealed a glimpse of their personality, showcasing that behind every kennel door is a dog with a story.

“These moments are more than cute; they're a reminder that every dog deserves to be seen and valued. International Dog Day is about celebrating that bond and inspiring people to consider adoption. The right home, the right care, and the right nutrition can completely transform a dog’s life,” said Jackie Quail, Hill’s Shelter Channel Manager.

“Remember, while the Hillies toys offer valuable companionship, they are ultimately a stand-in for something deeper: a loving forever home,” Quail added.

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Connect with their ideal match

For those thinking about adding a dog to their family, Hill’s offers a way to make the journey easier with the Pet Matchmaker app. The app helps potential adopters connect with their ideal match by showcasing shelter dogs ready for adoption.

Whether it’s a high-energy puppy needing the right balance of nutrients or a senior dog looking for comfort and support, the Pet Matchmaker app makes it easier to find and care for the perfect companion.

How you can celebrate International Dog Day

Download the Pet Matchmaker app to see and make an appointment to meet adoptable pets.

If adoption isn’t on the cards for you right now, you can always contact your local shelter to enquire about volunteering.

Share your own ‘perfect match’ story on social media using #PetMatchmaker and tagging @hillspetfoodsa

“Adoption changes two lives, the dog’s and yours. Quail. Today is the perfect day to take that step and meet the dog that’s been waiting for you,” said Quail.

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By sharing these Hillies stories or considering adoption, you can help make a difference. The dogs featured in these videos are all up for adoption and can be found at the following shelters on the Pet Matchmaker App, along with many other gorgeous pets waiting for a home.

• Animal Anti-Cruelty League Cape Town
• Animal Anti-Cruelty League Johannesburg
• Tears Animal Rescue Cape Town
• Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch
• Woodrock Animal Rescue Pretoria

3 More stories about dogs

• Briefly News also reported that a bride’s family dog got called forward during umembeso and received its gifts like the rest of the family members.
• A Johannesburg family turned heads across Mzansi after throwing a beautifully decorated funeral for their late dog, which resembled a human service.
• A couple with a newborn shared a video of their baby’s first introduction to their dogs, including two pit bulls and got many people online talking.

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A photograph of a humble couple went viral on social media, drawing thousands of likes, comments, and shares

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News