kitten relaxing inside cat bed stretching out paw showing claws

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Ways to help animals

50 ways to help animals.

Every small action adds up to create a kinder, more compassionate world for animals. You have the power to create positive change! Together, our collective efforts can transform the lives of animals and build a future where all animals are treated with respect and care.

Explore these 50 ideas to get started—and share this list with friends, family and anyone else who wants to help create a more humane world!

Woman taking notes while looking at her laptop and holding her dog

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Get involved in your community

  1. Write letters to the editor or urge local media to highlight animal protection issues.
  2. Advocate for restaurants and stores to offer more plant-based foods and switch to higher welfare products such as cage-free eggs.
  3. Support humane policies in your school or workplace, such as Meatless Mondays.
  4. Help outdoor cats in your neighborhood with trap-neuter-return (TNR) resources.
  5. Organize a community event, such as a World Spay Day initiative.
  6. Advocate for local pet stores to promote pet adoption and stop selling animals.
  7. Attend Humane Lobby Day to meet with legislators and support animal-friendly laws.
  8. Work for the passage of local ordinances protecting animals.
  9. Encourage humane solutions to conflicts with wildlife in your area.
  10. Develop outreach programs to educate your community about animal welfare.
Mother and daughter cooking a plant-based vegan meal together

Tijana87/iStock.com

Help animals in your everyday life

  1. Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group—or foster one while they wait for a home.
  2. Start Meatless Mondays or explore delicious plant-based recipes.
  3. Purchase cruelty-free cosmetics and household products.
  4. Choose fur-free fashion and consult humane shopping guides.
  5. Prepare a disaster plan and kit for your animals.
  6. ID your pets with collars and tags, and keep cats safe indoors.
  7. Turn your backyard into a sanctuary for wildlife.
  8. Avoid attractions that exploit animals, such as marine parks or roadside zoos.
  9. Make compassionate purchasing decisions while traveling and at home.
  10. Support businesses and brands committed to animal welfare.
Red fox mother and young cub touching with noses in nature

WildMedia/Alamy Stock photo

Be an advocate and spread the word

  1. Follow Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, on social media and share our posts.
  2. Sign up for email and text alerts to stay informed and take quick actions for animals.
  3. Host a conversation about animal protection issues with friends or family.
  4. Distribute flyers or post information about adopting pets and humane practices.

 

 

A man walks a medium white and brown dog on a sidewalk

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals

Raise funds for animals

  1. Organize an event such as a dog walk or bake sale and donate the proceeds.
  2. Make a one-time or monthly donation to support animal protection work.
  3. Give gift memberships or donate in honor of a loved one or pet.
  4. Check if your employer offers matching gifts for donations.
  5. Shop cruelty-free through our online storefronts and partner brands.
  6. Donate a used vehicle or other items to benefit animal protection.

 

Participate in training and events

  1. Attend Animal Care Expo or the Taking Action for Animals conference.
  2. Host or sponsor an educational event at your school, workplace or community center.
  3. Learn about pending legislation and how to advocate for humane laws.
  4. Sign up for training to assist animals in crisis with rescue teams.
  5. Volunteer at animal welfare events or with local shelters.

 

Kids in Bhutan with a dog

Humane World for Animals

Engage youth and schools

  1. Teach kids to respect animals through humane education activities.
  2. Encourage schools to offer plant-based menu options.
  3. Sponsor or introduce animal-focused programs in classrooms.
  4. Share animal welfare resources with educators and parents.
  5. Bring speakers to schools to discuss topics such as factory farming or wildlife protection.

Volunteer and make a hands-on impact

  1. Help local shelters with fundraising, social media or adoption events.
  2. Create promotional materials, like flyers or videos, to support adoption efforts.
  3. Take photos of animals in need of homes to share on social media.
  4. Support virtual volunteering opportunities for organizations worldwide.
  5. Set up a community booth to raise awareness about animal protection issues.
Elephant and calf
Getty Images/istockphoto

Support humane policies

  1. Identify your local, state and federal representatives to advocate for animal-friendly laws.
  2. Attend town hall meetings to voice your support for humane legislation.
  3. Support campaigns that combat wildlife trafficking or protect endangered species.
  4. Partner with organizations to encourage humane education and training programs.
  5. Volunteer to lead or participate in local campaigns for systemic change.
Also of interest

You can help

Keep up to date on the latest news and quick, simple actions you can take to help animals each week.

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals