Felipe Marquez/Humane World for Animals
An agreement with the National Civil Protection Coordination was signed in Mexico.
Meredith Lee / The HSUS
Increasing access to care for people and their pets
The bond between people and pets is universal, but many families struggle to access affordable vet care. Humane World for Animals helps provide low cost and free veterinary care options to keep pets healthy and families together.
Keeping pets and people together
The connection between people and pets is universal, but access to affordable vet care is not. Millions of families struggle to find low cost or free veterinary care near them. In truly humane communities, everyone can get the pet care services they need to keep pets healthy and families together.
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 affordable veterinary care for their pets. Poverty and systemic inequity create barriers to low cost vet care, pet wellness services, behavior support, essential supplies and pet-inclusive housing.
Shea Michelle/Humane World for Animals
Shea Michelle/Humane World for Animals
Our work in the United States
We help underserved communities access affordable and low cost vet care through a comprehensive support system. Our work combines free and low cost veterinary services 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.
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Keeping pets and families together
Support pet equity
Pets and their families belong together. Stand with us today to increase access to affordable veterinary care, pet food and pet-inclusive housing.
Read more
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.
From expert training tips to low cost vet care, we have resources to help you build the best life with your pet.
A common reason people surrender their pet to a shelter is because their landlord does not allow pets or charges an unaffordable pet fee.
Across the country, entire communities ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or perceived breed and misconceptions.
Breed based policies are not founded on science or credible data, but on myths and misinformation surrounding different breeds.
When we care about the dog and cats in our community, we care for those who love them.
People and pets deserve access to affordable and adequate shelter, food and healthcare resources.
Latest news
National Civil Protection Coordination and Humane World for Animals forge collaboration agreement
Mexico
Mexico City—The National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) and the international animal protection organization Humane World for Animals, formerly known as Humane Society International, have
Major milestone reached: nationwide program that supports pets in underserved communities provides its one millionth service to a dog named Freeda
United States
WASHINGTON—This month, the Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life program reached a major milestone, providing its 1,000,000th service to animals. The recipient was a poodle mix named
Approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty with their families
United States
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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A Humane World is the official blog of Humane World for Animals—a first-hand account of our ongoing efforts to protect animals, as told by our president and CEO, Kitty Block.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals