Everyone who cares about animals can now count themselves as part of a community advocating for increased animal welfare and protection. This movement is no longer a niche cause. It is a global force for change. There are people in every country working to create a world that is more compassionate and sensitive to animals and their needs. And, along with my colleagues at Humane World for Animals, I am so proud of how we have helped to bring people together in an enduring and shared determination to end animal cruelty.
This kind of determination is desperately needed, as the suffering that all kinds of animals experience—every day—in our food systems, in puppy mills, in research laboratories, at roadside and petting zoos, on fur farms and in the wild—has reached an unprecedented scale. In the face of such entrenched and pervasive animal cruelty in so many settings, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The problem can feel overwhelming. But we ought not give in to discouragement. There are plenty of small, simple actions that each of us can take to help create meaningful—and lasting—change. Here are some ideas:
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Fostering a pet from your local shelter or rescue is incredibly beneficial, not only for the animal but also for shelter staff. During kitten season, fostering a mom and litter can keep them healthy and well socialized. Providing a temporary home for an adolescent dog or senior cat makes that animal’s transition to a future home easier. Even if you only have a weekend to spare, you can help—some shelters offer field trip and sleepover programs. Research shows that just one night in a home environment can reduce stress for a shelter dog.
Not everyone is in a position to foster, but this doesn’t mean you can’t help pets in your community. When people fall on hard times, going through an illness or some personal difficulty, an offer to help care for their pet(s) while they overcome such setbacks can make a tremendous difference. Temporary foster programs for pets who already have families are becoming increasingly popular, and they serve as one of the best ways to keep pets with their families during challenging times.
- Advocating in your community is a powerful way to make a positive impact. For example, you can work for the repeal of breed-specific legislation that bans or restricts dogs on the basis of breed or perceived breed in the housing sector or in whole communities. You can support programs and policies to assist those who are caring for community cats. You can also get involved with access-to-veterinary care programs that help animals in underserved communities and the individuals and organizations ready to provide such care. Finally, it is important to inform your lawmakers that you want them to champion the rights of people with pets to have access to affordable housing and veterinary care.
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If you’d like to make a difference very close to home, consider transforming your outdoor space into a haven for wildlife. Whether it's an apartment balcony, a backyard or a nearby park, you can create an environment that supports wildlife in your community.
To help wildlife thrive, provide reliable water sources, such as birdbaths or small ponds, and offer natural food through native plants, bushes and trees. During the colder months, consider supplementing with bird feeders. You can adapt your outdoor space to the changing seasons by leaving leaves and dead flowers to provide natural habitats and by checking for wildlife before mowing your lawn. When dealing with any wildlife issues, including those that arise in your home, always seek humane solutions.
- Every small action adds up, but the pursuit of systemic change is also essential to protecting animals on a larger scale. So much animal cruelty in our society is driven by the pursuit of profit. People have the power to create change by refusing to purchase products associated with cruelty and opting to support companies that promote humane practices, so do your research on companies you support. By choosing not to buy or invest in cruel products or practices, you can shape the direction of an entire industry and improve the lives of millions of animals for the long term.
- You can stay informed and engaged by signing up for our action alerts and subscribing to our blog. You'll receive timely updates on critical public policy issues involving animals, as well as opportunities to take action. From advocating for stronger animal protection laws to supporting initiatives that promote humane treatment, staying informed empowers you to be a voice for animals.
Every action counts. Whether you’d like to support the animals within your local community or engage on a larger scale, like pushing for better policies related to animals, you can do your part to create a more humane world.
