On the concrete front porch of this rundown row house, along a narrow street in a rough neighborhood named Hunting Park, eight men sit outside drinking one October afternoon. Two pit bulls and a small dog lie at their feet; the adjoining house next door has boards across its first-floor windows...

1. Because you'll save a life. Each year, it's estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet. The number of euthanized animals could be...

In September 2020, Rick Haaland, the Pets for Life community outreach manager for the Leech Lake Tribal Police in northern Minnesota, answered a call about a large dog named Winston. The dog had gotten into an altercation with a porcupine and was covered in quills. When Haaland saw Winston at the...

The choice to spay or neuter your pet may be one of the most important decisions you make impacting their long-term health—and your wallet! Your pet's health and longevity The average lifespan of spayed and neutered cats and dogs is demonstrably longer than the lifespan of those not. A University of...

Pet food and other necessities To locate a pet food pantry or other pet-related community service, explore an interactive resource map provided by Feeding Pets of the Homeless; just choose which resource you’re seeking under the “Get Help” listing on the right. Or contact your local shelter and...

Editor’s note: In late December of 2020, Congress approved a stimulus deal that extended the federal evictions moratorium until Jan. 31 and provided $25 billion in rental assistance. On Jan. 20, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended the moratorium until at least...

Internet pet sale scams We all know the internet can be a great place to buy anything from books to rare gifts, but it's not where you should go to buy a new pet. In addition to disreputable dealers and puppy mills, internet scammers have crept into the realm of online pet sales, stealing money from...

The stories reach Amanda Arrington via text message these days: The immunocompromised hospital worker in Milwaukee who brought her spunky dog, Rusty, onto her porch to give a socially distant thanks when a Pets for Life team member dropped off dog food. The veteran with four dogs—including a...

The Humane Society of the United States was founded to tackle animal welfare challenges that were historically beyond the reach of local organizations, supplement the essential work of animal shelters and rescues by addressing the root causes of animal cruelty, advocate for stronger laws to ensure...

Many owners turn to microchip technology to help their pets return home if they're ever lost and their collars come off. Here are some common questions about microchips and why they are effective.

Of the more than 150 dogs rescued in October from a South Korean dog meat farm, most have already found loving homes—but a dozen or so require a bit of extra TLC first. Their surroundings at an HSUS-run temporary shelter are a far cry from the filthy, cramped cages where they awaited a gruesome fate...

Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry is receiving 40,000 pounds of pet food thanks to a generous donation from Hill’s Pet Nutrition through its Disaster Relief Network made in coordination with the Humane Society of the United States and the Community Harvest Food Bank. “We know that Hoosiers have been...

Who are Shelter and Rescue Partners? Our Shelter and Rescue Partner program is a network of organizations committed to serving as a safety net for pets and mentors for overwhelmed shelters. In collaboration with the Humane Society of the United States, program partners drive advancements in the...

One moment, you’re stroking a sweetly purring cat, and the next you feel fangs or claws digging into the flesh of your palm. What just happened? It’s a question that certified cat behavior consultant Tabitha Kucera hears a lot, and the answer often boils down to overarousal, also called...

Last updated April 16, 2021 Contents What has the Humane Society of the United States been doing to address the COVID-19 crisis? What has been done at the state level? Should I have a preparedness plan for my pet(s)? Can my pet get COVID-19? How can I keep my home clean and safe for my pets? What...

With a $120,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the Fund for Animals Rural Area Veterinary Services program aims to support pets and families in underserved areas with high quality veterinary field clinics to provide vaccines, spay/neuter services and urgent care for sick and injured animals in rural...