Be Kind to Animals Week: What It Is and How You Can Celebrate

May 3-9 is American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week . As the United States’ longest running humane education campaign, it focuses on protecting animals and treating them with compassion. Whether you’re already a pet guardian or have a special spot in your heart for animals, there are many things you can do to celebrate, promote kindness and help improve life for millions of animals all over the country.

What Is Be Kind to Animals Week?

Animal welfare became an important issue during the 1800s in the United States. Many Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were founded, but several of them joined forces and formed American Humane in 1877. In 1915, the organization launched the very first “Be Kind to Animals Week” and since then, it’s always been celebrated during the first week of May.

Animals welfare groups such as the ASPCA use this week to highlight ways in which we can help make the lives of animals better. If you plan to celebrate, you’re in good company. Over the last century, celebrities and major figures like First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and actress Betty White have lent their support.

Take the Kindness Pledge

One awesome thing you can do during this year’s Be Kind to Animals Week is taking American Humane’s Kindness Pledge. “What is the Kindness Pledge?” you may ask. It’s actually pretty simple and includes a few specific actions you can take to help animals both in your life and everywhere:

“I believe in kindness and compassion for all animals, and that all animals are entitled to humane treatment. I will be kind to animals all year round by pledging to:

• Buy humanely raised products.

• Adopt from an animal shelter.

• Watch movies that support animal welfare on set.

• Visit certified zoos and aquariums.”

This pledge provides just a few suggestions, but they’re great places to start. Both American Humane and the ASPCA offer some great resources for finding humanely raised products, including helpful lists of welfare certifications you’ll find on items at your local grocery store. Watching movies that support animal welfare on set encourages production companies to continue following animal safety practices. Certified zoos and aquariums must follow rigorous standards for animal welfare and management.

Adopt Pets From Shelters or Rescue Groups

According to the ASPCA, over six million companion animals end up in shelters every year. This number has decreased from years past, and about half of those surrendered to shelters are adopted. But that still means millions of dogs and cats need forever homes. Rescue organizations focus on saving abandoned, abused, unwanted and stray animals and placing them with safe and loving families. If you have the time, commitment, space and room in your heart for a companion animal, adoption is one of the best ways to help.

Adopting a pet means committing to your animal companion’s care for 15 to 20 years. That time spent with your companion can be incredibly rewarding. The ASPCA provides a brief guide to adoption , but the key takeaways are making sure that your home, personality and lifestyle are a good fit for a pet. You’ll also want to budget for adoption fees, your first veterinary visits and any pet deposits if you live in an apartment.

You’ll also need a few essentials to get your home ready for your new animal companion: food, beds, food and water bowls, a crate or carrier, toys, treats, and grooming supplies. For a new feline friend, be sure to include scratching posts and surfaces. Remember to include a collar, an ID tag, a harness and a leash: Cats can also be leash trained so they can safely enjoy the great outdoors.

Commit to Kindness All Year Long

Adopting a pet is just one way you can practice kindness every day. There are plenty of other things you can do to help animals and advocate for their welfare. You can volunteer at shelters and rescue groups. Opportunities usually include activities like bathing, grooming, walking, feeding and providing play opportunities for the animals, but some groups also need foster homes to care for these dogs or cats before they’re permanently placed with adoptive families.

Supporting animal welfare initiatives is another excellent way to get involved. Animal advocacy organizations do good work in many areas: education, outreach, affordable veterinary care and encouraging the passage of animal welfare legislation. You can help these groups by donating your time or funds.

Meanwhile, don’t forget about the power of social media. Many shelters, rescues and advocacy groups are on social media, so you can like and share their content to help them reach more people. If you’ve adopted a pet, you can share your adoption story on social media. Your post may encourage others to open their homes to animal companions or contribute to helping more animals get placed in happy, healthy forever homes.

A Connected Community of Animal Lovers

We hope that this quick guide inspired you to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week in a meaningful way. Any actions you take to promote and practice compassion toward animals are worthwhile steps in improving their lives. Whether you adopt a shelter or rescue pet, volunteer, engage with others on social media or express your love and respect for animals in everyday conversations, you’re making a difference. The first week of May is just one celebration of many, but it can motivate acts of kindness throughout the entire year.