20M U.S. Pets in Poverty Get Campaign to Keep Families Together

Twenty million pets across America face poverty alongside their families, struggling to access basic veterinary care, food, and supplies. Humane World for Animals just launched its More Than a Pet campaign to change that reality and keep loving families together.

The campaign addresses barriers like transportation, finances, and trust that prevent families from caring for their pets. Through programs like Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services, the organization has already provided 2.3 million free services to over 570,000 pets and distributed more than $120 million in pet food.

"Pets are emotional support, stability and love, and that bond transcends demographics," said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. The organization rebranded from the Humane Society of the United States to tackle this national crisis rooted in broader poverty and inequality.

At the heart of the campaign are three Community Hero Award finalists who dedicate their time to helping pets and people. Chantal Wadsworth of Shiprock, New Mexico, Jewell Brown of Nashville, Tennessee, and Luisa Lopez of Atlanta, Georgia are competing for recognition and a $10,000 grant for their communities.

Public voting runs through April 8, 2026, letting Americans choose which hero's organization receives funding to expand essential pet services. The winner will be announced that evening.

The Ripple Effect spreads far beyond individual families. When pets stay with the people who love them, entire communities grow stronger and more connected. The campaign has already distributed over $22 million in care grants, proving that small acts of support create massive change. By honoring local heroes, More Than a Pet inspires others to step up in their own neighborhoods, whether through pet sitting, driving neighbors to vet appointments, or donating food and supplies.

Amanda Arrington, vice president of Access to Care, emphasized that everyday kindness makes an enormous difference. Simple actions like fostering a pet temporarily or buying an extra bag of food can keep a family whole during hard times.

The campaign proves that when communities come together, no family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet and making ends meet.