Animal-assisted therapy is a goal-directed therapeutic treatment that incorporates animals. Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals may be used to help people as they recover from physical and mental health conditions.

Learn more about animal-assisted therapy using the links below.

Education is a powerful tool to help keep pets happy, healthy, and safe. Find resources to educate your staff and pet parents about humane, responsible treatment and training of their companion animals. With proper training, you can help alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.

Learn more about pet behavior and training using the links below:

Creating strong partnerships with your community can help support your work and accomplish shared goals. Consider connecting with organizations both inside and outside your industry to share expertise and collaborate on innovative programs.  

Learn more about partnership-building and find information on national coalitions using the links below:

Domestic violence, houselessness, and even sudden illness can prevent loving pet owners from caring for their pets. Crisis fostering programs can help keep families together by providing short-term care for pets while their owners access the services they need.

Learn more about pet fostering and see examples of crisis care programs throughout the country using the links below:

Make sure you have the tools to financially sustain your pet program.

Find grant opportunities and other fundraising support using the links below:

An overwhelming body of research suggests that the bond we share with animals has a significant impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health. Pets can improve heart health, decrease stress and anxiety, and promote stronger feelings of self-worth. 

Learn more about the human-animal bond using the links below:

There are many state and local laws involving companion animal protection. For example, many states allow pets to be included in domestic violence protective orders while others prohibit insurance companies from enacting discriminatory policies against certain breeds of dogs. 

Learn more about existing laws that protect pets as well as ongoing advocacy efforts at the links below:

Housing insecurity affects millions of pet owners throughout the country. Despite the high demand for pet-inclusive rental housing, many properties continue to impose pet restrictions, leading to a housing scarcity that disproportionately impacts low-income pet owners.

Learn more about pets, homelessness, and pet-inclusive housing models using the links below:

Veterinarians are essential to the health and well-being of our companion animals and also play a key role in identifying and reporting abuse. However, millions of Americans struggle to access veterinary care for their pets. 

Learn more about the role veterinarians can play in supporting pets and people in crisis and find resources to overcome financial barriers to care using the links below: