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Pets for Life: HSUS' New and Innovative Animal Welfare Program

by Jo Singer
Published March 20, 2013

Flickr/armandolobos

People love their pets no matter what their socio-economic status may be.

The Humane Society of the United States recently launched Pets For Life; a new and expanded program that was formerly Building Humane Communities. 

In order to reduce the overpopulation of animals in shelters, improve the lives of pets, and to connect with and help communities that are underserved, Pets For Life uses groundbreaking strategies and fresh approaches that are aimed at expanding access to animal resources, education and low cost or free veterinary care.

However, Pets For Life is not just helping animals. With the innovative services the program provides, the people who care for their pets are becoming empowered.

The foundation for the Pets For Life program was laid in 2006 during the herculean work the HSUS did with the folks living in Hurricane Katrina's wake. As they helped the Gulf Coast residents, they discovered thousands of dogs and cats that were in need of rescue, an inordinate rate of un-sterilized pets and a host of other animal welfare issues that were the direct result of not having affordable and accessible services.

HSUS learned that the primary reason owners don’t neuter and spay their pets or seek other necessary veterinary care for their companion animals is the high cost of these crucial services. Currently, Pets For Life has a working staff providing services for a growing number of cities around the country: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. The program also provides mentorship and guidance to other communities that are seeking to implement similar programs because no matter what cultural or socio-economic differences exist in communities, people love their pets and want to give them the best of care.

Animal lovers living in the cities listed above who wish to get involved and volunteer can apply at the convenient form provided by the Pets For Life program.

To get acquainted with the vast scope of compassionate and crucial services that are offered by the Pets For Life program, watch the compelling and heart touching video.

Programs similar to Pets For Life are desperately needed around the country. What do you think? Share your opinions in a comment.

 

Author's profile photo
Jo Singer

Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…

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Comments (3)

Reno (Unverified)
Added 03-21-2013 12:40pm
As long as it's privately funded through donations, I think it's a wonderful idea. Our overextended government does not need to be funding anymore programs. But I agree that vet care needs to be more affordable. I thinks that there should be certain vets that do a "sliding scale" fee schedule for those who truly cannot afford the costs.
Sharon (Unverified)
Added 03-21-2013 08:53am
This is great news! Vets need to help low income folks, too. Even 1 day a year, to offer free cat spays, & neuters would help. When people realize how nice it is for their pets to be fixed, they will encourage more people to do it. Mobile clinics are helpful too, but not always possible. Spay & neuter, & don't move to places that don't accept pets, they are not disposable.
jmuhj (Unverified)
Added 03-20-2013 08:28pm
As someone who works on behalf of ACC-incarcerated cats every day, I can attest to the facts you have written of, Jo; and I applaud every organization attempting to increase the ability of cat caregivers (and rabbit, bird, gerbil, and others) to honor the commitment that ADOPTION IS FOR LIFE. There are many programs in place that are doing this; HSUS has one, the NYACC has one, and NKLA (N0 KILL L.A.) has another excellent one which is going door to door , zip code by zip code in underserved areas of Los Angeles in attempts to help companion animal caregivers spay/neuter and keep their loved ones for life. Another desperately needed service, especially in these areas, is either transportation to and from veterinary clinics, or mobile veterinary clinics. Growing numbers of people either have never had, or have had to give up, cars due to financial constraints. Just sayin'.
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