Cincinnati animal lovers and furry friends in need of a home will pack the Spooky Nook sports complex in Hamilton on the 21st and 22nd for the “My Furry Valentine” adoption event.
For Stray Haven, a local foster organization, it’s the biggest adoption event of the year. About 90% of their adoptions happen at “My Furry Valentine” and over 50 dogs found a new home during the 2025 event. Director China Pittenger said this is so important because it increases their capacity to take in new foster animals, giving them longer lives and saving them from harsh conditions.
“When we pull another one, we’re pulling them off euthanasia lists or we’re pulling them from really bad circumstances,” said Pittenger. “Especially in the winter when we’re dealing with freezing temperatures.”
Visitors will be able to come between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday for an admissions fee of $5. Pittenger recommends those who are hoping to do a same day adoption plan ahead and bring information such as their lease pet policy, veterinary records and ESA letter for emotional support animals.
Sam Mays, a foster caretaker for Stray Haven, describes the event as bustling and high energy.
“It’s chaotic in there,” said Mays. “You have dogs barking in one room and cats meowing in the other.” Those hoping to beat the initial rush can purchase early bird tickets for $25. These tickets allow attendees to peruse over 1,000 pets available for adoption before general admission begins flowing in. The following rush includes crowds of people eager to visit with animals they saw online and lines forming around the crates.
Information including an album of adoptable animals and adoption fees for different groups attending can be found at myfurryvalentine.com. Tickets can be purchased on the website as well.
Attendees who adopt get the opportunity to walk down a red carpet with their pet and get a picture taken together. The event will also include raffles, goodie bags, places to eat and vendors with a focus on dogs and cats.
“They do everything they can to make it a memorable experience,” said Pittenger. Stray Haven plans for over a year to prepare for the event. It’s an all hands on deck effort where they do their best to bring out every animal, including older ones and ones with medical issues. Pittenger said My Furry Valentine provides the best chance for these animals to be adopted, and it’s exciting to see them find homes.
“It’s a very exciting and a very exhausting event,” said Pittenger. “We’re ready to crawl out of there on Sunday after it’s over but we can’t. We’ve got to be breaking down all the crates and stuff like that– but the day after when we see all these empty [crates] where we can save other dogs, that’s where it’s all at.”