Dog and cat welfare

Did you know?

The cats and dogs who share our lives are often our first and deepest connection to another species. But every day around the world, millions of dogs and cats face neglect and cruelty. Through rescues, direct care, education and policy reforms, Humane World for Animals works to protect companion animals and to support people in caring for them.

60,000

cats and dogs

received vaccinations, spay/neuter and other veterinary care through our multiyear Spayathon for Puerto Rico collaborative project

73,000+

street dogs

in Lucknow, India have been sterilized and vaccinated since 2019

40+

countries

plus three U.S. states (Maryland, New York and Virginia), and more than 20 U.S. municipalities ban the nontherapeutic declawing of cats

Take a look inside the problem 

The situation for dogs and cats varies among countries and cultures. In some places, pet adoption is still a relatively new concept. But even where it’s common, animal shelters are often underfunded and overwhelmed.

HSI staff providing a vaccine to a street dog in India

Karma Sonam Bhutia/AP Images

Vaccinating a dog in Dehradun, India.

Street dogs

Around the world, large numbers of free-roaming dogs and cats are cared for by community members who lack access to veterinary care and other resources to protect their well-being. In some countries, governments use inhumane and ineffective lethal methods for managing dog and cat populations.

Dirty white dog looks at photographer through puppy mill cage

Amie Chou/Humane World for Animals

Rescued from a puppy mill.

Profit over welfare

For some people, dogs and cats are simply a means to profit—through kitten and puppy mills, dogfighting, the trade in dog and cat meat, and other callous industries.

Micki Rosi Richter /For Humane World for Animals

TNR helps community cats

Community cats

Trap-neuter-return programs have become the standard approach for improving the welfare of community cats and humanely managing their populations.

Kristin Lamy/Humane World for Animals

Spay/neuter saves lives.

Our approach

Every year, tens of thousands of dogs and cats benefit from our spay/neuter, vaccination, and food and shelter distribution programs. Our multifaceted approach aims to improve the lives of dogs and cats who are currently in need and to create permanent change for these animals in the years to come.

Our work around the world

We work on companion animal issues across 13 countries, and reach many more through our training programs and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations.