Tens of millions of pets are loved by families experiencing poverty. This is at least triple the number of dogs and cats entering shelters, many of whom are surrendered due to a lack of access to pet care resources. Stand with us today to increase access to affordable veterinary care, pet food and pet-inclusive housing.
A loyal companion and so much more
People have tremendous love for their four-legged family members, yet millions struggle to care for their pets due to a lack of access to pet care. No one should be denied the opportunity to own a pet. That's why we launched the More Than a Pet campaign.
A national crisis
Millions of loving pet owners can’t access the veterinary services and resources they need to provide for their pets. Equitable access to care includes identifying and removing all the barriers someone may face in obtaining pet care and resources, with factors as complex and varied as transportation, language, time, finances and trust. This isn’t a new problem, but it has become an overlooked national crisis.
and that's three times more than the number who enter animal shelters every year
living in poverty have never seen a veterinarian
report an inability to obtain veterinary care
A fair shake at pet ownership
Most people are aware of how poverty and structural inequality create challenges and barriers to accessing healthy food, education, jobs, health care and housing. Pet resources are no different. There are many communities that can’t access the veterinary care and resources they need to provide for their pets, but we believe everyone should be able to experience the joy, comfort and benefits of the human-animal bond. Regardless of race, ethnicity, geography or socioeconomic status, people and pets alike deserve a chance to be healthy and happy.
Together, we can make a difference
Through our programs such as Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services, we have been supporting hundreds of thousands of people and pets who do not have access to veterinary care and pet essentials for more than a decade. And through our DEI priority initiative, we aim to build upon that work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the veterinary profession and the broader animal welfare field.
Since 2002, we’ve served more than 500,000 pets and their families living in poverty with veterinary services such as spay/neuter and vaccinations at no cost to the pet’s family. We’ve also donated more than $40 million worth of pet supplies, including 14 million pounds of pet food.
I am so grateful for Pets for Life. I don't know what I'd do without them."
- Janis from Idaho
With your support, we can do so much more
Check our list of national and state organizations that will help you and your pet.
Your actions can make a difference in the lives of pets and people of your community.
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion to build a stronger, more inclusive animal protection movement.
Lack of access to pet care and resources means many families don't have what they need for their pets. Stand to keep people and pets together.
Take our quiz to learn more about the health benefits of having a pet and the gaps in access to pet care you might not be aware of.
Your generous gift will keep families together and support all our lifesaving work for animals.
Teaming up with LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard and devoted owner of five dogs LaMelo Ball is teaming up with the More Than a Pet campaign to increase equity in access to pet care and support people and pets with resources such as pet food. For every point LaMelo scores, 250 meals will be donated to pets and their families in underserved communities. Follow our Points for Pets Season Tracker and tune in to his regular season games to watch LaMelo score BIG for pets!
More Than a Pet Partners
A special thanks to the partners who are supporting the More Than a Pet campaign.
Partner with us
Cause partnerships are your company’s path to purpose. Aligning with the Humane Society of the United States can engage your employees, position your company as a social impact leader and create a halo of positive goodwill for your brand.
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