More Than a Pet has supported over 570,000 pets and their families

Community heroes drive efforts to provide essential care for families and pets 

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Across the country, families are struggling to afford necessities, including veterinary care and pet supplies. This hardship is even more severe for those burdened by systemic poverty, and the over 20 million pets in the U.S. who live with them. The More Than a Pet campaign, launched in 2023 by Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, highlights the organization's access-to-care work, which has helped over 570,000 pets and their families stay together despite the pressures of financial hardship. 

The More Than a Pet campaign seeks to address this nationwide crisis by elevating awareness and providing solutions for those facing economic hardship and challenges in meeting their pets' essential needs. With campaign partners Smalls, Tractive and Hartz, and support from Jackson Galaxy—renowned cat behavior and wellness expert, author and television host—and NBA All Star LaMelo Ball, More Than a Pet focuses on advancing equity and access to care to keep families and their pets together, happy and healthy. 

"The love people have for their pets is unwavering – they are part of the family. Yet millions of families face heartbreaking obstacles meeting their pets' basic needs, including food, veterinary care and supplies," said Amanda Arrington, vice president of Access to Care for Humane World for Animals. "Through More Than a Pet, we are working to break down those barriers because no one should have to choose between meeting their own needs and caring for their beloved pet."  

The bond between people and their pets is one of unconditional love, as animals provide companionship, comfort and stability, especially in difficult times. A nationwide poll revealed that 43% of pet owners have faced financial barriers in their efforts to meet their pets' needs and 70% of pets in poverty have never received veterinary care. Despite these challenges, 91% of pet owners are willing to make personal sacrifices to care for their pets. With 89% of Americans agreeing that no one should have to give up a pet due to financial hardship, increasing access to essential pet care resources is critical to keeping families together. 

A key part of the campaign is the More Than a Pet Community Hero Award, which honors three individuals from around the U.S. who are making a big difference by helping people and their pets in areas in which getting pets to the veterinarian, obtaining food, or securing other essential supplies is a challenge. 

Many families struggle to meet their pets' needs, but dedicated community members are stepping up to help. The Community Hero Award recognizes those individuals making a difference. This year's Community Hero finalists are making a lasting impact in their communities. Maria Teresa Montoya from Wichita, Kansas distributes pet food, translates for Spanish-speaking pet owners and supports homeless individuals and their pets with essential supplies. Demonte Moore from Milwaukee, Wisconsin connects families with pet care resources, helps find homes for animals and spreads the word about pet wellness in his neighborhood. Lersie Feliciano from Miami, Florida shares information about spay and neuter services, connects families with veterinary care and advocates for better access to pet resources. 

Each hero has dedicated themselves to supporting families in getting the resources they need to care for their pets. The three finalists each received a $5,000 award, and the winner of the 2025 Community Hero Award will receive an additional $10,000 for the nominating organization in their community to expand resources and support for families and pets in need. Members of the publica re encouraged to show their support by voting for the hero whose story moves them the most. 

Keeping pets and families together is a shared effort, and there are many ways for people to make a difference. Even small acts of kindness can go a long way, things like: 

• Offering to pet sit 

• Driving people and their pets to a veterinary appointment 

• Collecting pet-essential donations Buying an extra bag of cat or dog food 

• Fostering someone's pet if they fall on hard times 

Since 2002, Humane World for Animals has served more than 570,000 pets and their families experiencing poverty with veterinary services such as spay/neuter and vaccinations at no cost to the pet's family. Humane World for Animals has also donated more than $100 million worth of pet supplies, including 30 million pounds of pet food. 

• Download Photos/Video of the community heroes
• Read the Blog
• Read the Blog about a new study on Access to Care

About More Than a Pet 

Launched in 2023, Humane World for Animals' More Than a Pet campaign honors the love people have for their pets, celebrates and protects the human-animal bond and aims to show that this bond transcends race, ethnicity, geography and socioeconomic status. Through programs like Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services, Humane World for Animals supports hundreds of thousands of people and pets who do not have access to veterinary care and pet essentials. A key part of this work is to bring equity in access to pet care for underserved communities and increase diversity in the animal welfare movement, efforts which are long overdue and necessary to recognize the human in humane. Together with our corporate partners, More Than a Pet raises awareness and funds for these critical programs and Humane World for Animals' work to fight for all animals. 

About Humane World for Animals 

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.  
humaneworld.org 

SOURCE Humane World for Animals.