Animal Lovers Are Obsessed With These Shelter-Saving Shoes

by Rachel M.

Published: May 11th, 2026

BOBS from Skechers and Best Friends Animal Society are teaming up again—and this time, the mission is bigger than ever.

It’s no secret that countless shelter pets are still waiting for a forever home.

For animal lovers, even a quick scroll past a rescue story or adoption post can spark that familiar feeling: wanting to help, but not always knowing how.

BOBS from Skechers

That’s exactly why the renewed partnership between BOBS from Skechers and Best Friends Animal Society feels so meaningful this National Pet Month.

The two brands are coming together with one shared mission—to help more dogs and cats find loving homes while supporting shelters across the country.

And this year, the impact is huge: Skechers is donating $500,000 to support Best Friends Animal Society’s goal of making the U.S. no-kill.

Shop BOBS from Skechers— fun shoes that make a difference from only $55.

A Brand Built Around Giving Back

Since launching the BOBS philanthropic movement in 2015, Skechers has made giving back part of the brand’s identity.

Over the years, the company has donated more than $14 million to help support over two million animals globally.

Now, the partnership with Best Friends Animal Society—its original charitable partner—is being renewed in a major way.

For shoppers, that means every purchase becomes part of a larger effort to support rescue organizations, adoption programs, and shelter pets still searching for homes.

Shop BOBS from Skechers.

BOBS from Skechers

Why This Collaboration Stands Out

Plenty of brands talk about making a difference. What makes this partnership feel different is how hands-on and community-focused it actually is.

Throughout May, BOBS from Skechers and Best Friends Animal Society are hosting in-store adoption events across the country, helping connect shelter pets with potential families in real life—not just online.

Upcoming adoption events include:

West Clifton, NJ (May 2nd)
Salt Lake City, UT (May 9th)
Pittsburgh, PA (May 16th)
Miami, FL (May 23rd)

The initiative also includes a nationwide register roundup at Skechers retail stores, giving shoppers another easy way to contribute directly to animal welfare efforts.

Then there’s the launch of the new “Paws for a Cause” collection—arguably one of the most exciting parts of the campaign.

The limited-edition footwear designs were created by student scholarship winners Anelya Sapar from the School of Visual Arts and Elle Dalby from Penn State.

Their cat- and dog-inspired artwork will appear on BOBS from Skechers shoes, blending creativity, compassion, and purpose into something shoppers can actually wear and enjoy every day.

Shop BOBS from Skechers.

BOBS from Skechers

5 Reasons Animal Lovers Will Want to Check This Out

Supports shelter pets nationwide
Helps fund the no-kill mission in the U.S.
Features limited-edition rescue-inspired footwear
Includes real adoption events across multiple cities
Makes everyday shopping feel more impactful

Shop BOBS from Skechers.

More Than a Purchase

What makes campaigns like this resonate is the feeling behind them. Buying something useful is one thing. Buying something that also helps save animal lives is another.

If you’re keen to support rescue organizations this year, BOBS from Skechers offers an easy place to start.

BOBS from Skechers— From Only $55

Shop now

Rachel M.

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Electrical cords should be encased in protective tubing or hidden behind furniture where they’re not accessible, as chewing on a live wire can be fatal. Small objects like hair ties, coins, or children’s toys are significant choking hazards or can cause intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. Chemical safety is equally important. Ensure that all household cleaners, laundry pods, and automotive fluids (like antifreeze) are stored in high cabinets or behind child-proof locks. Many common house plants, such as sago palms, lilies, and azaleas, are highly toxic to dogs. Take a moment to take stock of any indoor and outdoor plants and remove or relocate anything that could pose a risk if they were to ingest it. Selecting Quality Supplies When choosing supplies for your puppy, prioritize durability and safety over aesthetics. Crate training is a great way to keep your pup safe, but you need a properly sized crate. It should be large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they feel insecure or use one corner as a bathroom. If you are buying for a large breed, look for crates with divider panels that allow the space to grow alongside them. For feeding, stainless steel or ceramic bowls are preferable to plastic, which can harbor bacteria in scratches or cause allergic reactions. When it comes to toys, focus on “age-appropriate” items. Young puppies have fragile teeth, so choose toys made of soft rubber or plush materials that are specifically labeled for puppies. Avoid toys with small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. Building a Professional Support NetworkAnother important piece of this puzzle is your partnership with animal experts and professionals. Before your puppy arrives, research local veterinarians who align with your philosophy on pet health. Read reviews and, if possible, visit the clinic to observe their standards of care firsthand. Identify the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. Save their contact information and address in your phone. Having a plan for a medical crisis at 2:00 AM prevents panic and ensures your puppy receives immediate attention when every minute counts. In addition to medical care, choosing a professional trainer who uses positive, science-based methods will play an important role in your puppy’s early development. Enrolling your puppy in a high-quality “puppy kindergarten” style training class will ensure you have expert guidance to navigate this critical socialization window. Doing this will help prevent behavioral issues before they start and strengthen that special bond between you and your puppy. The First 24 Hours The first day a puppy spends in your home can be overwhelming for their developing nervous system. While it’s tempting to invite friends and family over to meet the new arrival, the most responsible choice is to keep the environment calm and predictable. Your puppy has just been separated from their mother and littermates; they need time to decompress and learn that their new surroundings are safe. Limit the activity in the house and allow the puppy to explore a confined area at their own pace rather than forcing interaction. The First Outdoor Introduction Before you even step through the front door of your home, take your puppy directly to the specific area in your yard or near your building where they want them to do their “business.” This sets a clear expectation from the very first minute. If they go, offer praise calmly and reward them with a treat. This immediate positive association will help lay the foundation for your puppy’s potty training. Introduction to the “Home Base” Once inside, introduce the puppy to their designated safe zone or crate. Place a piece of clothing that smells like you or a comforting blanket inside to help them settle. Keep the initial explorations limited to one or two rooms. You can do this by closing doors or using safety gates and exercise pens to block off restricted areas. By limiting their access early on, you prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and make it much easier to supervise them for safety and house-training purposes. As they become comfortable in their new space, you can slowly introduce new rooms and areas.

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Our dogs bring countless joys into our lives. From excited tail wags at the door to comforting snuggles on the sofa, our pups are truly part of the family. But what if I told you that your dog isn’t just making you happier, they may be making you more caring and sociable through an invisible, microscopic link? Recent research from Japan’s Azabu University has revealed a promising possibility: living with a dog might alter our microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria inside us) in ways that actually promote better mental health and social behavior! The study focused on adolescents aged 12 to 14. Researchers found that teenagers who lived with dogs had significantly lower scores on social problems, aggressive behavior, and social withdrawal compared to their non-dog-owning peers. People who lived with dogs ranked as less socially withdrawn and behaved less aggressively. “Adolescent children who keep dogs exhibit higher mental well-being, and we also found that dog ownership alters the gut microbiota,” said Dr. Takefumi Kikusui, a study co-author and animal behaviorist at Azabu University. “Since the gut microbiota influences behavior through the gut-brain axis, we conducted this experiment.”Saliva samples revealed distinct differences in the microbial makeup of teens, including higher levels of certain bacteria like Streptococcus, which have been previously linked to reduced depressive symptoms. Interested in digging deeper, the research team then conducted a follow-up experiment. They transplanted oral microbes from people who lived with dogs and people who were dog-free into germ-free laboratory mice. The results were fascinating. The mice that received microbes from “dog people” exhibited behaviors that demonstrated greater empathy and sociability. For example, in one test, these mice were more likely to approach and try to assist a trapped cage-mate. They also spent more time sniffing unfamiliar mice, a sign of increased social interest. The gut microbiome is a busy community of microorganisms living primarily in our intestines. This community doesn’t just help us digest food; it also influences our immune system and, crucially, communicates with our brain. This communication pathway is known as the Gut-Brain Axis. The bacteria in our gut can produce various chemicals, including anti-inflammatory compounds and even neurotransmitters, which directly impact our mental state and behavior. The theory is that dogs, through licks and close contact, expose us to their diverse microbial communities. These microbes then travel to our gut, influencing our own microbiome and potentially boosting the production of those beneficial chemicals that support mental well-being and encourage empathetic, social responses. While the researchers agree that more studies are needed, incorporating different geographic locations, the research adds a new layer to the already well-documented benefits of life with a dog. They also acknowledge that adopting a dog isn’t a guaranteed solution for everyone. Bringing a dog into your home is a significant commitment that should be taken seriously. However, these findings also reinforce the idea that the bond between humans and dogs is profound, right down to a microscopic level. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the companionship you share with your dog is good for you, both inside and out! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

5 Easy Ways to Stop Pet Odors Taking Over Your Home

Living with pets means accepting a certain level of mess, but persistent odors don’t have to be part of the deal.Most “pet smells” come from a few predictable sources: accidents, fabrics that trap odor, pet hair buildup, air stagnation, and your pet’s own coat. Once you know where the problem starts, it becomes much easier to control.Below are five practical, product-led ways to keep your home smelling clean without constant deep cleaning.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

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Animal Lovers Are Obsessed With These Shelter-Saving Shoes

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