MILWAUKEE—Humane World for Animals and the Wisconsin Humane Society hosted the More Than a Pet “Unpacking Pawty” event last week to distribute over 26,000 pounds of pet food and supplies to Milwaukee families and their beloved pets. Nearly 200 pet families, many who lined up even before the event started, were grateful and relieved to receive the much-needed items donated by corporate partners including Smalls and The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
The event is part of Humane World for Animals' national More Than a Pet campaign, which shines a spotlight on the challenges many people face in accessing pet food, veterinary care and other resources needed to keep their pets healthy and at home with their families.
Access to pet care is a national crisis. There are 20 million pets in the United States living with families experiencing poverty and approximately 70% have never seen a veterinarian. Humane World for Animals has been addressing this crisis head on for 15 years with its Pets for Life program, bringing essential resources to more than 80 underserved communities nationwide to keep families and their pets together. The program takes a comprehensive, community-based approach, providing veterinary care, pet supplies and services at no cost to pet families with the help of local Pets for Life partners around the country, including the Wisconsin Humane Society in Milwaukee where the “Pawty” took place.
Amanda Arrington, vice president of access to care for Humane World for Animals, said: “The bond between people and their pets is everything, and every family deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and companionship that animals bring to our lives. Yet millions of loving pet owners face barriers to accessing veterinary care, pet food and other essential resources. We are grateful to the Wisconsin Humane Society and our Pets for Life partners across the country for helping bring those resources directly into communities and keeping pets with the families who love them.”
Wisconsin state director for Humane World for Animals, Ryan Dudley, was at the event and added: “It was an honor to be on the ground at this event and meet so many caring people who are grateful for the supplies they were receiving and very eager to share photos and stories about their beloved cats and dogs. Every person who attended considers their pets as family members and is a reminder that everyone deserves access to pet care.”
The Wisconsin Humane Society works directly in Milwaukee neighborhoods to connect families with pet food, veterinary care, spay/neuter services, transportation assistance and other critical resources. Through Pets for Life, they have served more than 12,400 families and 26,700 pets over the past 14 years.
Since 2011, Humane World for Animals has helped expand access to pet care across the United States through programs like Pets for Life, providing more than 2.3 million free services to pets and families, helping more than 611,000 pets access care, distributing more than $130 million in pet food and supplies, and awarding more than $22 million in access-to-care grants.
Humane World for Animals encourages people to support pets and families in their own communities. Here are some small steps that make a big impact for people who are struggling:
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Buy an extra bag of cat or dog food to donate to a neighbor or pet food pantry
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Offer to pet sit
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Drive your neighbor and their pet to a veterinary appointment
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Collect donations for essential pet items
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Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog
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Foster someone’s pet if they fall on hard times
Download video footage and photos from the Milwaukee Pets for Life “Pawty” event
Download video footage and photos of families supported by Pets for Life across the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
In the U.S., at least 20 million pets live in homes affected by poverty or in underserved areas where resources are limited or essentially nonexistent. We are working to increase equity in access to care through a variety of interconnected approaches: community outreach, policymaking, training for veterinary and animal welfare professionals, corporate partnerships and direct care programs that provide veterinary care, pet supplies, other animal care services and information at no cost to pet owners.
Bridging the gap between animal service providers and millions of people and pets living in poverty requires a collaborative effort, and the movement is always growing. Explore this map to see where Pets for Life programs are currently making an impact all across the country and to learn about each of our dedicated partners.
Creating a more equitable world for people and animals means rethinking ways to support the human-animal bond in our homes and communities. Here's what you can do:
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Get Informed: Learn more about building community in the animal welfare movement.
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Offer support: Get to know your neighbors and your community. Listen to what challenges people are facing and ask how you can help.
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Support shelters: Ask your local shelters or rescues how you can get involved, donating funds or time.
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Volunteer: If you’re a veterinary professional or student, please visit our RAVS resource page for information about how to volunteer or join HumaneVMA to engage in our training and advocacy efforts.
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Celebrate with us: Join our More Than a Pet activities to celebrate the human-animal bond.