Dog and Cat Welfare
Kathy Milani/The HSUS
Overview
Millions of dogs and cats around the world are suffering. Household pets, community animals and unowned animals all face challenges ranging from a lack of basic resources such as adequate shelter, nutritious food and veterinary care to falling victim to inhumane methods of population control, including long-term sheltering and culling. In collaboration with local partners, HSI develops humane and sustainable programs to improve the welfare of dogs and cats globally, particularly in communities facing socio-economic challenges
12
Countries with HSI-led companion animal programs
117,000+
Dogs and cats who received treatment and/or care thanks to HSI in 2022-2023
1385
Veterinary and animal welfare professionals who received training from HSI
The issue
HSI helps provide affordable and accessible veterinary care to dogs and cats, many who have never visited a veterinarian before. We also offer humane and sustainable solutions to manage roaming dogs and cats and promote peaceful coexistence with humans in their communities.
Facts about companion animal welfare:
- Across the world, millions of pets living in economically disadvantaged communities lack access to lifesaving veterinary care such as rabies vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, treatment for parasites, flea/tick prevention, deworming and treatment of infections and injuries.
- Companion animals living in areas with limited access to quality veterinary services are at higher risk of experiencing neglect, disease, poor nutrition, abuse, injury, and other forms of suffering.
- Pet dogs and cats can become homeless when humans relinquish or abandon them (mostly due to lack of resources or ability to care for them), or when they become lost.
- Many dogs and cats living on the streets suffer from starvation, dehydration, exposure to the elements, injury and disease.
- Increases in populations of roaming dogs and cats is both an animal welfare and public health and safety issue.
- Governments around the world often resort to culling (i.e., killing) dogs and cats to manage their populations. Culls do not work; a combination of humane and effective sterilization, vaccination and ongoing community engagement is the long-term solution.
Our work in action
Help dogs and cats across the globe
Pledge to help dogs and cats who live outdoors by offering or advocating for resources.
