When you think of a large scale humane society, does your mind automatically go to the ASPCA? That’s a natural leap because they are so visible in our country.
But there’s another national humane society that gives just as much that we wanted to let you know about and that is the Humane Society of the United States or HSUS.
Who They Are
Next to the ASPCA, the HSUS is the largest animal protection agency in the nation. They are a huge force behind activism for animals and work hard to combat things like puppy mills, animal cruelty and the issues surrounding any kind of fighting between animals.
From farm animals to wildlife to pets, the HSUS works on getting as many people involved at the grassroots level as possible to end animal abuse and neglect.
Rescue
The HSUS is on hand for rescue efforts especially during disasters. Their sole purpose in this arena is to care for animals and reunite them with their human companions as quickly as possible if they’ve been separated during a natural disaster.
They also have mobile veterinary clinics and an interesting street dog program through Humane Society International that helps cities and towns work with their stray populations. They even have a program that, through your donation, allows you to name stray dogs giving them better lives and more connection.
Give a Dog a Name
At giveadoganame.com, an ancillary program sponsored by the HSUS, you can find a page full of pictures of stray dogs who need to be named. Once you donate and give that dog a name, a bone shaped identification tag is placed on the picture you chose with the name you gave him or her so you can see the power of your donation.
Animal Advocacy
The animal advocacy program includes working with state and local governments to stop puppy mills, protect lab animals, look out for farm animals and even horse and burro protection.
Shelters
The HSUS also works with shelters to support low cost spay and neuter programs as well as protecting feral cat populations in cities. Their Pets for Life program helps get animal services and resources into those areas that are underserved by other rescue groups or animal advocacy programs.
Accessible and affordable pet care combined with helping shelters and rescue groups all over the country is a hallmark of the Humane Society of the United States. Contact your local chapter to see how you can help in your neighborhood.
Image Credit: istockphoto.com
