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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.

Photo illustration of a dog being possessive about his tennis ball
Pet health and safety Caring for your dog
Resource guarding in dogs

What are the signs your dog is protective of you, their food, or their toys, and how can you train them to reduce their anxiety or aggression?

Eastern Screech Owl, finding shelter in a tree cavity
Humane backyards
Plant trees to help animals

Nature’s ultimate multitaskers give wildlife shelter, food and more, supporting the entire ecosystem.

Gray squirrel eating in a tree
Humane wildlife management
What to do about squirrels

Squirrels are smart and athletic, which might make them an annoyance. Here’s how to handle squirrel conflicts with kindness when they get in your house.

A cat curled up in a paper shopping bag.
Pet health and safety Caring for your cat
How to find a lost cat

A systematic approach for rallying your friends, family, and community to recover your missing pet as well as tips on prevention.

a long snake coiled up in the grass
Humane wildlife management
What to do about snakes

Most snakes are not a threat to either people or pets, so identify the troublemakers to learn what to do if you find any in your yard or home and need to humanely remove them.

domestic pet ferret gets cozy in owners arms
Pet health and safety Adopting and rehoming pets
Can ferrets make good pets?

Are you thinking about a pet ferret? There are many factors to consider ranging from state and local laws to children's safety to regular care.

Opossums are safe, nonthreatening creatures who are easy to get rid of gently
Humane backyards Humane wildlife management
What to do about opossums

Opossums are gentle neighbors, rarely dangerous, and often not even responsible for messes they get blamed for. Here's what to do if you have one in a crawlspace.

Dog looking at a sunset
Pet health and safety
How to cope with the death of your pet

Sometimes it's hard for others to understand your loss or extend sympathy. Here's how to take care of yourself, your family and other pets when it's time to say goodbye.

Four baby raccoons looking out from a hollow tree
Humane wildlife management
What to do about raccoons

Wondering what to do about raccoons? Conflicts with these intelligent animals can be prevented and resolved humanely.

Dog drinking water from a water bottle
Pet health and safety
Keep pets safe before the temperature gets too hot

Hundreds of pets are lost each year to heat stroke, especially those left in parked cars. Please take precautions to ensure that your dog or cat is not one of them.

Pet cat in travel carrier going into a car
Pet health and safety Caring for your cat Caring for your dog
Travel safely with your pet

Should you travel with your dog or cat, or find a pet sitter? Tips for how to decide and how to keep your pet safe if you take them along in a car, airplane, ship or train.

Black and white cat lying on plaid blanket holding a pumpkin.
Pet health and safety Caring for your cat Caring for your dog
Halloween safety tips for pets

Some pets love the hustle and bustle of Halloween, while others will find this spooky holiday a bit stressful. We recognize...

Person holding a cute pet rat
Pet health and safety Adopting and rehoming pets
Is a rat the right pet for you?

Rats have a bad reputation, but they can be just as healthy, smart and charismatic as other pets. Compare them with other small pets, especially if you have kids or are pregnant.

Street cat standing on metal fixtures
Be an advocate for animals
The meaning of outdoor versus stray cat and other terms

Is a cat feral or friendly, stray or at home in the community? Here’s a guide to commonly used terms for outdoor cats defined by their ownership, lifestyle and behavior.

Portrait of a pretty cat outside with a tipped ear
Be an advocate for animals
Help community cats with a TNR program

Get tips for local lawmakers and town officials to start a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program to help stray, feral and free-roaming cats in the community.

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