- About 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty alongside their families.
- Humane World for Animals has launched the More Than a Pet campaign to improve access to pet care resources in underserved communities.
- Programs such as Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services have provided more than 2.3 million free services to over 570,000 pets.
- The campaign also distributes pet food and financial assistance to help families keep their pets during times of hardship.
- Three community leaders have been nominated for the 2026 More Than a Pet Community Hero Award.
Humane World for Animals has launched a national awareness initiative highlighting the challenges many families face when trying to access essential care for their pets.
According to the organization, roughly 20 million pets in the United States live in households experiencing poverty. Barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and limited access to veterinary services can prevent families from obtaining care for their animals.
The organization’s More Than a Pet campaign aims to address these challenges by raising awareness and supporting programs that expand access to veterinary services, food assistance, and other pet care resources.
Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, said the bond between people and their pets often provides emotional stability and companionship, particularly for families facing economic hardship.
She said the campaign focuses on reducing barriers so that families can continue caring for their animals.
Expanding Access to Pet Care
Humane World for Animals operates several programs designed to increase access to veterinary care and essential pet resources.
Through initiatives such as Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services, the organization reports providing more than 2.3 million no-cost services, including spay and neuter procedures and other veterinary care, to more than 570,000 pets.
The programs have also distributed more than $120 million in pet food and supplies and awarded over $22 million in grants to support access to care initiatives.
These efforts aim to prevent situations in which families are forced to surrender pets due to financial or logistical barriers.
Community Hero Award Recognizes Local Efforts
An additional component of the campaign is the More Than a Pet Community Hero Award, which recognizes volunteers working to improve access to pet care in underserved communities.
The award is presented in partnership with several organizations, including Cogir Senior Living, Smalls, ACE Cash Express, and Hartz.
The three finalists for the 2026 award are Chantal Wadsworth of Shiprock, New Mexico; Jewell Brown of Nashville, Tennessee; and Luisa Lopez of Atlanta, Georgia.
The winner will be selected through a public vote and announced on April 8, 2026. The organization that nominated the winning finalist will receive a $10,000 grant to support community pet care initiatives.
Encouraging Community Support
Humane World for Animals encourages individuals to support neighbors and local communities by helping with pet care needs.
Suggested actions include offering to pet sit, providing transportation to veterinary appointments, collecting donations of pet supplies, purchasing additional pet food for donation, or temporarily fostering pets when families face hardship.
Humane World for Animals operates in more than 50 countries and focuses on addressing animal welfare issues, responding to animals in crisis, and expanding access to care.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
