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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.

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.

Woman and her dog cuddling on the couch with holiday lights behind them
Affording your pet
Tenant information for renters with pets

Don't sign a lease with a no pet policy even if there are other pets in the building and the landlord says it's OK. Resolve landlord issues and find housing for you and your pet.

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.

Woman cuddling with her cat
Affording your pet Be an advocate for animals
How landlords can boost rental income by accepting pets

Landlords could manage more profitable rental properties and save half a million animals from shelters every year if they accepted all pets without weight or breed restrictions.

Happy white dog on a leash in the backyard.
Be an advocate for animals
How breed bans hurt pets and people

Breed-based policies are based on myths and misinformation, rather than science or credible data. However, their impact on dogs, families and animal shelters is heartbreakingly real.

Cat clawing a cat scratching post
Pet health and safety Caring for your cat
Stop cats from scratching furniture with a scratching post

Teach your cat what they can scratch and what is off-limits, like your couch or table.

Dog in hot car
Pet health and safety Caring for your dog
What to do if you see a dog alone in a parked car

A car in pleasant 72 F degree weather can heat up to over 110 F in under an hour, and an open window may not be sufficient, but it takes only minutes to save a life.

A veterinarian with a cat
Caring for your cat Caring for your dog Affording your pet Pet health and safety
How to find payment options for veterinary care

Help paying vet bills: Payment plans, resources and more If you cannot pay a veterinary bill upfront, you are not alone. Many...

Two puppy mill dogs in a cage before being rescued
Adopting and rehoming pets Pet health and safety Caring for your dog
Want to buy a puppy?

There are more than 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S., most of which market themselves as “USDA approved” “small family breeders...

puppy mill rescue puppy
Be an advocate for animals
Seven ways you can stop puppy mills

What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit...

Small dog wearing a rain jacket
Pet health and safety Preparing for emergencies
Pet emergency plan and disaster preparedness

Prevent tragedy by preparing for a disaster or emergency evacuation before it happens.

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.

A cat sniffing someone's hand holding cat food
Pet health and safety
How to safely help a stray animal

If you found a stray dog or cat, here are sensible ways to help without getting in over your head.

Prairie dog held by Humane World for Animals member doing habitat and translocation work
Humane backyards Humane wildlife management
What to do about prairie dogs

Prairie dogs are one of the most controversial and widely misunderstood wildlife species in North America. Since early...

kitten relaxing inside cat bed stretching out paw showing claws
Pet health and safety Caring for your cat
Why declawing is bad for your cat

New cat owners may ask if they should declaw their kitten, but there are better, more humane solutions to reduce scratching.

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