Nicole Rosenberg
People and pets that were part of the Pets for Life program and received support during the COVID-19 crisis.
Dan Koeck/AP Images for HSUS
Increasing access to care for pets and people
The deep connection between people and pets is universal, but access to animal care resources is not. Humane World for Animals works to keep pets happy and healthy, and in their homes.
Keeping pets and people together
The deep connection between people and pets is universal, but access to animal care resources is not. In truly humane communities, everyone can obtain what they need for the animals in their lives.
1 in 3
dogs and cats
around the world live on the streets or in shelters, rather than in a home
20+ million
pets
experience poverty with their families in the United States
70+ million
dogs
live on the streets in India
Take a look inside the issue
People have tremendous love for their animal family members, yet millions struggle to access care for their pets. Poverty and systemic inequity create obstacles to pet wellness services—such as health and behavioral care—as well as pet supplies and pet-inclusive housing.
Shea Michelle/Humane World for Animals
Shea Michelle/Humane World for Animals
Our work in the United States
We work to ensure underserved communities have accessible pet care through a comprehensive support system, combining our direct care programs with training and mentorship for animal welfare and veterinary professionals.
Since 2012, our Pets for Life program has supported over 300,000 pets in underserved areas with more than 1.1 million services, including over $14 million in veterinary care. Our program has also distributed almost $14 million in grants to local organizations around the country.
Our Rural Area Veterinary Services program has cared for more than 175,000 animals, providing over $34 million in veterinary services. We have trained nearly 15,000 veterinary professionals and students, who have volunteered more than 900,000 professional hours providing access to care services.
Creating an equitable world for people and pets requires more than just providing services. It involves reimagining our societies and supporting humans so they have what they need to provide safe, loving, comfortable homes for themselves and the animals in their care.
Across the country, entire communities ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or perceived breed. We oppose such public policies as inhumane and ineffective. There is no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites or attacks on people and they divert resources from more effective animal control and public safety initiatives.
Dig deeper
We bring a broad vision and deep expertise. Learn more about the obstacles facing pet families and how we are helping to provide resources to pets around the world.
Resources to help you have the best life with your pet.
Across the country, entire communities ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or perceived breed. Breed-based policies aren't founded on science or credible data, but on myths and misinformation surrounding different breeds.
Millions of pet owners live in poverty, and the most common reason people surrender their pet to a shelter is because their landlord doesn’t allow pets or charges an unaffordable pet fee. If this sounds like someone you know, here are resources that can help.
improving the welfare of a community’s dogs and cats improves the overall health of the community. Because everyone deserves to experience the love that a relationship with a companion animal can bring.
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.
“Food deserts” are areas where affordable and nutritious food is hard to access. Those food deserts often coincide with a lack of veterinary clinics and other pet needs, too.
Latest News
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WASHINGTON—Approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty with their families and face barriers to pet care including transportation, finances and trust. Humane World for Animals
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Dog meat slaughterhouse
Dog meat slaughterhouse
Thanks to our supporters, we were able to close down an Indonesia dog meat slaughterhouse and save 10 dogs. These dogs deserve a chance to heal and live out their lives. Help support their immediate medical care and rehabilitation with a donation today.
Forddhanto Bimantoro/