Take Action

It’s heartbreaking: Every year, millions of cats and dogs become lost in the United States. Many are beloved pets who never make it home. In fact, research shows that only 10 to 30% of lost dogs and a mere 5% of lost cats are ever reunited with their families. It doesn’t have to be this way.

This Sunday, more than one billion people will be celebrating Earth Day and taking a pledge to live green. But what does that mean for our pets? Actually…quite a bit. Many pet parents don’t realize just how much of an impact their companions make on our planet—but just think of all the cat litter! Throw the planet a bone and check out our top ways you can help lighten their carbon paw print.

Cutting Back is Going Green
There are plenty of small ways to cut back on energy and materials. Cut down on paper products—clean up pet messes with rags or recycled paper towels.

The Power of Poop
Scoop dog poop with biodegradable bags or those recycled from the grocery store. If you use kitty litter, opt for brands that are made of plant-based materials like wheat or from recycled newspapers or wood chips.

Don’t Shop, Adopt
When searching for your next pet, opt to adopt. There countless numbers of homeless pets looking for a loving home. You'll save money, resources—and a life.

Spring Cleaning
It’s time for spring cleaning, but before throwing your dusty treasures away, call your local shelter—they may need old towels, bedding, leashes and pet toys.

Save Lives and Trees
Each year, members like you help us save those animals most in need, but did you know when you give online, you are also lowering your carbon footprint? Your online donation today will save lives and trees.

For a full list of ways you can help our environment, check out Go Green for Your Pets.

For 146 years, our members have been getting active for animals. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we want to take a moment and thank YOU for all that you do for animals. From assisting in the care and placement of shelter animals to educating the public on animal welfare issues, the work you do saves lives!

To help keep you motivated, we’ve come up with a few easy volunteer tips that pack a big punch!

Volunteer at your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Shelters across the country are in desperate need of volunteers to help out with tasks as diverse as walking dogs, organizing fundraising events, and fostering abused or frightened animals. Check out our top ways to help your local shelter.

Become an Animal Activist. Being a voice for animals can mean educating the public on spaying/neutering, fighting for stronger animal legislation or reporting animal cruelty. Check out these easy ways you can speak up for those who can’t.

Support the ASPCA. Volunteers have been the heart of our organization since its founding in 1866. The ASPCA remains the leader in rescuing animals from abuse, passing humane laws and sharing resources with shelters nationwide. Become a member today and directly help us—and our furry friends.

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Gee, that sure is a lot of candles on our cake. Yep, today marks the 146th birthday of the ASPCA, the oldest humane organization in the Western Hemisphere (but we’ve been told we don’t look a day over 100!).

When our founder Henry Bergh first spoke up for animals in Civil War-era New York, America was not a very animal-friendly place—but Bergh rallied people to the cause and succeeded in getting the New York State Legislature to pass a charter incorporating the ASPCA on April 10, 1866. Nine days later, the first anti-cruelty law was passed and, with a team of three, the ASPCA began working to enforce it.

Within five years, SPCAs had sprung up in cities including Boston, Buffalo and San Francisco. By 1888, 37 of the 38 states in the Union had passed anti-cruelty laws! We’re proud of the ASPCA’s role in changing the way people think about animals, and even prouder of you, our supporters, for helping us do such great work. In celebration, please join us this month in going orange for animals!

Want to Donate Your Birthday to the ASPCA?
Henry Bergh spent his life helping to fight animal cruelty—think of how proud he would be if you donated your birthday to help animals. It’s easy. Just set up your own special ASPCA birthday page and watch as your family and friends donate critical funds to animals in your honor.

And thank you for 146 years of compassion!