On April 18–19, 2026 people across the country will spend 24 hours inside animal shelters—not as visitors, but as advocates—participating in the Shelter Slumber Pawty, a nationwide advocacy and fundraising event now in its ninth year.

Participants stay overnight with shelter animals, sharing what they experience in real time and remaining present long enough for animals to settle, decompress, and connect. In 2025, the event raised more than $1 million for participating shelters, with data showing measurable reductions in stress-related behaviors among animals during overnight stays.

This year, 140 shelters across 39 states will take part, offering a visually compelling and emotionally resonant story with opportunities for on-site coverage, interviews, and observational footage throughout the overnight event.

Media outlets are invited to visit participating shelters or schedule interviews with organizers and participants in advance.