Tens of millions of pets are loved by families experiencing poverty in the United States. 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.
Community Hero Award
Congratulations to Demonte Moore, recipient of the 2025 More Than a Pet Community Hero Award!
The More Than a Pet Community Hero Award honors individuals for their exceptional contributions to advancing equity in access to pet care and resources within their communities.
Thanks to your votes, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 More Than a Pet Community Hero, Demonte Moore, who has made exceptional contributions to advancing equity in access to pet care and resources within his community. This honor not only highlights his outstanding efforts but also awards his community organization, Wisconsin Humane Society, with a $10,000 grant to provide essential support services for people and pets. Thank you to everyone who participated and voted daily!
Together, we can make a difference
Our programs such as Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services have supported hundreds of thousands of people and pets who lack access to veterinary care and pet essentials. At the foundation of everything we do, our DEI priority initiative aims to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the veterinary profession and the broader animal welfare field.
Since 2002, we have 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 have also donated more than $40 million worth of pet supplies, including 14 million pounds of pet food. None of this would be possible without our supporters and partners.
Where action meets impact
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.
Your generous gift will help keep families together and support all our lifesaving work for animals.
Humane World for Animals is the world’s most effective animal protection organization. Together, we can do so much more.
Points for Pets
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!
Humane World for Animals
Partners
A special thanks to our incredible partners for their unwavering support of the More Than a Pet campaign.
Partner with us
Good things happen when we collaborate. Aligning with Humane World for Animals 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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