“All of the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” The words of Saint Francis of Assisi are taken to heart on Remember Me Thursday®, a day to light the way for a better future for homeless dogs and cats while honoring the shelter animals who never found their forever home.
Launched in 2013 by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a non-profit organization which has helped animals in need for more than half a century, animal lovers are invited to share photos of their animal companions on social media, using the hashtag #RememberMeThursday, and join with fellow friends of our canine and cat companions from more than 190 countries to help the world #SeeTheLight about the need to choose the option of pet adoption.
When is Remember Me Thursday?
The worldwide event takes place each year on the fourth Thursday in September.
Who Has Taken Part in Remember Me Thursday?
Over the years an array of high-profile pals to those with paws have helped to shine a spotlight on the message of Remember Me Thursday:
- Brittany Aldean– As the 2021 official spokesperson for Remember Me Thursday, Aldean said: “To know that you have altered the course of an innocent animal’s life by giving them a chance to live happily and healthily is one of the best things you can do. I am so excited to be the Remember Me Thursday spokesperson and cannot wait to help everyone #SeeTheLight on the importance of rescuing animals!”
- Lee Asher (founder of The Asher House)
- David Backes
- Kristin Bauer
- Linda Blair
- Dr. Marty Becker
- Ashley Bell
- Bryan Bickell
- Mark Buehrle
- Jeff Carter
- Kristin Chenoweth– When the Tony and Emmy Award winner took on the role of Remember Me Thursday official spokesperson in 2017 she stated: “On August 27th of last year, my beloved Maltese, Madeline Kahn Chenoweth went to Heaven. Though I still miss her so, I am grateful for all the happiness we shared. She was pure, unconditional love. The pain of losing her was worth it. Please take a moment and remember all of the sweet shelter pets just waiting for their opportunity to warm your heart on Remember Me Thursday®.”
- Kaley Cuoco– Joining as a luminary in 2024,The Big Bang Theory star and founder of the pet brand Oh Norman! said: “Animals have taught me how to forgive and how to truly live in the moment. They don’t hold grudges, and they love you no matter what. We should be surrounding our children with animals from a very young age, showing them responsibility and how animals deserve to be loved and treated. Remember Me Thursday focuses attention on the plight of shelter animals across the country during a critical time of increasing euthanasia rates and overcrowded shelters,” said Cuoco. “It has never been more important that we encourage the public to save a life by adopting a rescue pet from their local shelter.”
- Bo Derek
- Wendy Diamond
- Greg Evans
- Gabriel Feitosa
- Bethenny Frankel– The reality TV star was the 2019 Remember Me Thursday spokesperson.
- Kevin Frazier
- Jennie Garth– When acting as the 2020 spokesperson for the event, the Beverly Hills 90210 star said: “Pets make me smile. Whether it is the wag of a tail, their soulful eyes, or their unconditional love, they know how to spread joy. On Remember Me Thursday®, join me in spreading the joy (and smiles!) that pet adoption can bring!”
- Tamar Geller
- Debbie Gibson
- Jack Hanna
- Katherine Heigl– The Emmy Award-winning actress and co-founder of The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. who stepped into the role of the event’s official spokesperson for 2014, stated: “Every day in America, 10,000 pets are killed for lack of a good home,” stated Heigl. “It is important to not forget those animals who have been euthanized in our shelters across America and to focus on those still waiting for a home. Remember Me Thursday™ is our opportunity to bring to light these homeless pets and I am honored to be the spokesperson for such an important and powerful message.”
- Liam Hendriks
- Elaine Hendrix
- Carrie Ann Inaba
- Daymond John
- Wynonna Judd– Singing the event’s praises as the 2018 Remember Me Thursday official spokesperson, the multi-Grammy Award winner said: “All my life I’ve felt a special bond with animals. I don’t know what I would do without my own rescue pets and their unconditional love. Sadly, there are animals in shelters around the country still waiting anxiously to give their love to someone. On Remember Me Thursday®, please take a moment to advocate for and remember these special animals. Speak up for pet adoption!”
- Diane Keaton
- Kevin Kiermaier
- Anze Kopitar
- Bonnie-Jill Laflin
- Sandra Lee
- Javicia Leslie
- Jamie Little
- Joey Logano
- Evan Longoria
- George Lopez
- Andie MacDowell– The actress shared the title of official spokesperson in 2023: “We’ve always had some kind of pet,” says MacDowell. “We had cats or dogs, and the love that my children received from them I understood deep to my core. I also loved watching my children return that love, understanding and the responsibility of having a pet.My rescue dog Ava is a kind and loving soul. To know that this sweet girl waited for a home for two years until our family fell in love with her is just heartbreaking. On Remember Me Thursday®, please help spread the word about these lovable pets just waiting to be discovered. A new best friend is waiting for you at an animal organization near you!”
- Ross Mathews
- Patrick McDonnell
- Jake Muzzin
- Kathy Najimy
- Ryan Newman
- Rodney Peete
- Pauley Perrette
- Melissa Peterman
- Jacqueline Pinol
- Rainey Qualley– The singer/actress shared the role of official spokesperson with her famous mother Andie MacDowell in 2023: “I lived in Montana as a young child where we had horses, cows, chickens, pigs, bunnies, dogs and plenty of cats, which I’ve always had a particularly soft spot for,” explained Qualley. “Loving animals as much as I do, I’ve been vegetarian for 17 years now. It brings me so much joy to take care of animals.”
- Jill Rappaport
- Eric Roberts
- Megan Rose
- Logan Ryan
- Marc Rzepczynski
- Hannah Shaw
- Christian Siriano
- Rick Springfield
- Beth Stern
- Victoria Stilwell
- Mark Steines
- Jasmine Tookes– The model and 2022 official spokesperson said: “Pet adoption is something that is near and dear to my heart, but a lot of people may not have the knowledge or information on pet adoption. Remember Me Thursday provides the perfect opportunity to learn and hopefully change people’s minds who were once never open to the idea of adoption.”
- David Tutera
- Lou Wegner
- Wil Wheaton
- Larissa Wohl
- Bellamy Young
Along with A-list advocates for animal welfare, since its start in 2013 some of our favorite four-legged internet sensations have also used their star wattage to help their barking buddies and purring pals in need:
- Alien Cat Matilda
- Baloo
- Bamboo
- Belarus The Cat
- Best Boy Brodie
- Boogie Shoes
- Chewie
- Chi Chi
- Chloe
- Choupette’s Diary
- Cole and Marmalade
- Cooper
- Fugee
- Josh
- Justin Fire Survivor
- Kitten Faces
- Lil BUB
- Louie
- Memphis
- Mimo & Kirry
- Molly Happiness
- Monty Boy
- Mork
- Mr. Bigglesworth
- My Cat Kyle
- My Dear Puudin
- Nala Cat
- Norbert
- Paddington
- Piglet
- Purrminators
- Sauerkraut Kitty
- Smush
- Spencer
- Stevie
- Sunglass Cat
- Tango
- Tuna
- Venus
- White Coffee Cat
- Worried Cat (a.k.a Bum)
Information regarding special Remember Me Thursday events held at various rescue organizations are also posted on the Remember Me Thursday website, as is information regarding Remember Me Thursday’s annual contest and resources to help bloggers and influencers spread the word about the campaign.