Woman sitting on a bench holding a dog wearing a little jacket.

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

Inside the problem

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.

Dog and owner

Shea Michelle/Humane World for Animals

Access to care

Many areas suffer from a lack of access to pet care resources. In rural communities, the closest veterinary clinic may be hours away. In many countries with developing economies, there is a lack of veterinarians trained in the treatment and care of dogs and cats.  A lack of affordable, pet-inclusive housing forces many loving pet owners to give up their companions.

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Dog and owner

Shea Michelle/Humane World for Animals

Health and welfare

An estimated 70% of pets in underserved areas within the U.S. have never seen a veterinarian. We are working to provide direct-care veterinary field clinics in remote or rural communities.

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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.

Happy dog in a wagon

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. 

Two Veterinarians holding puppies

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. 

Man holding his grey cat

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.

Happy white dog on a leash in the backyard.

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. 

Resources for people & pets

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. 

Cute dog holding a leaf

From expert training tips to low cost vet care, we have resources to help you build the best life with your pet.

cat and woman in sunny room

A common reason people surrender their pet to a shelter is because their landlord does not allow pets or charges an unaffordable pet fee.

Woman with happy dog

Across the country, entire communities ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or perceived breed and misconceptions.

A person holds a dog

Breed based policies are not founded on science or credible data, but on myths and misinformation surrounding different breeds.

A shelter cat cuddles in the arms of a volunteer

When we care about the dog and cats in our community, we care for those who love them.

Laward Ellison petting two community cats

People and pets deserve access to affordable and adequate shelter, food and healthcare resources. 

Smiling young woman sitting with her cute little dachshund outside

Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images

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Frequently asked questions

Access to care for pets means ensuring that all pet owners can obtain the veterinary care, pet supplies, support services and resources they need to keep their animals healthy and in their homes. 

Affordable veterinary care helps pets receive preventive care, vaccinations, and medical treatment when they need it. When cost barriers are removed, more families can keep their pets healthy and avoid surrendering them due to financial hardship. 

Pet owners who need help may be able to access low-cost veterinary clinics, community programs, nonprofit assistance, mobile veterinary services and other local resources that make pet care more affordable. 

Common barriers include the cost of care, lack of transportation, limited veterinary services in rural or underserved communities, language barriers and housing policies that make it difficult for people to keep their pets. 

Keeping pets and families together improves animal welfare, reduces shelter intake and helps strengthen the bond between people and their companion animals. Access-to-care programs support both pets and the people who love them. 

Humane World for Animals works to expand access to veterinary care and pet support services through programs, advocacy and community partnerships that help underserved families care for their pets and keep them in loving homes. 

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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