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At Humane World for Animals, we believe that knowledge is the key to better lives for pets, wildlife and the people who care for them. Our expert-curated Animal Care Resources library provides trusted, science-backed guidance on pet adoption, health, behavior, and humane solutions for coexisting with wildlife.

We've compiled these resources to help you make informed, compassionate decisions—whether you’re welcoming a new pet, navigating behavior challenges or seeking humane ways to manage wildlife conflicts.

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Raccoon lounging in a tree
Humane wildlife management Pet health and safety
How to know if an animal has rabies and how to prevent it

Thanks to pet vaccinations, US deaths from rabies has declined from over 100 to about 2 per year, but both people and pets are still at risk. Stay safe with vigilance and prevention.

Dog digging in the grass
Pet health and safety Caring for your dog
How to get your dog to stop digging

Find out why dogs dig and learn humane, effective ways to stop digging behaviors while meeting your dog’s natural needs.

Portrait of an orange cat
Pet health and safety
Why and when you should spay or neuter your pet

Cats, dogs and rabbits can all benefit from better health, fewer behavior issues and a longer average lifespan. Plus, pet owners save money too.

Deer in a garden
Humane wildlife management
How to protect vegetable or flower gardens from animals

Some animals are essential for any garden to help pollinate plants and aerate the soil, but here is how you can prevent others from nibbling on your crops.

trapping a squirrel is not the best way to remove them from your yard
Humane wildlife management
What to do instead of trapping and relocating animals

Using a live trap to move an animal elsewhere may seem a humane option, but capturing and relocating wild animals such as squirrels can be a death sentence for them and any babies they leave behind.

humane backyard with a bench and birdbath
Humane backyards
Consider lawn alternatives to support wildlife

Shrink your lawn to balance family fun with a wildlife habitat. You'll be supporting nature and reducing the use and extra expense of water, fossil fuels, and chemicals.

vegan burrito with black beans, rice and veggies
Be an advocate for animals
Plant-based diets are good for animals, the environment and you

Plant-based meals fight climate change, heart disease, cancer and antibiotic resistance. Plus, they make a more compassionate world for animals.

Coyote on an urban sidewalk
Caring for your cat Humane wildlife management
Coyotes, pets and community cats

Many people assume that coyotes don't live in suburban or urban neighborhoods because they don't see them. But that...

Side profile of a coyote with green bushes in the background
Humane backyards Humane wildlife management
What to do about coyotes

Contents A comprehensive plan Why is there a coyote in my yard? Do coyotes eat cats, dogs or other pets? What should I do if...

A brown, fluffy puppy sits in calmly their bed
Adopting and rehoming pets
Where to get a puppy and how to adopt a dog

When looking for a puppy, please skip pet stores and internet sites to consider a dog from a shelter or rescue first.

A brown, fluffy puppy sits in calmly their bed
Be an advocate for animals Adopting and rehoming pets
How to find an ethical, responsible dog breeder

If you've checked shelters and rescue groups and still haven't found the best pet for you, here's how to find a responsible dog breeder.

Happy dog at outdoor adoption event for animals in shelter
Adopting and rehoming pets
Adopt pets from animal shelters or rescues, not pet stores

Want to add a pet to your family? Local animal shelters and rescue groups can be great places to search for a new cat, dog, bird, small animal, horse, or even pig! Here’s how.

Three skunks on a porch
Humane backyards Humane wildlife management
What to do about skunks

Learn how to live near and deal with this gentle species when they enter your yard or garage.

Woman holding pet guinea pig
Pet health and safety
Would a guinea pig make a good pet for you?

Guinea pigs are a little higher maintenance than other small pets. Make sure you are ready for the commitment before adopting one of these gentle animals.

Mother fox with three playful nursing kits
Humane wildlife management
What to do about foxes

Foxes are usually no cause for alarm, but if you have backyard chickens, you'll need to protect them. Here's what to do if you see a fox in your neighborhood.

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