Category: Feature Stories

We set out to rescue 32 animals in Iraq, and thanks to your support, we were able to save even more animals in need.  We now have 30 cats and 12 dogs safely in our care.

Just days ago, their future was uncertain. With their caretakers forced to flee and no reliable access to food or protection, these animals were at risk of being left behind. But thanks to your compassion and quick action, everything changed.

Because of your support, they are now in our care. They are safe. They have food. They have shelter. Most importantly, they are surrounded by people who truly care about them.

​Right now, they are decompressing. Some are still a bit shy and taking their time to adjust. Others are already seeking out affection and gently leaning into the kindness of our local staff. Little by little, they are beginning to bond with the people around them.

We are so grateful to everyone who donated to make this rescue possible. This mission would not have happened without you.

While we don’t yet know how long these animals will remain in our care, one thing is certain. We are fully committed to them. We will continue to provide everything they need, not just for these animals, but for the many other rescues we’ve recently taken in due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

One day, when the time is right, we look forward to seeing them thrive in the loving, forever homes they so deeply deserve. Until then, we will continue to be by their side.

When native animals in Western Australia are hurt, sick, or in danger, there’s one team people know they can call: WA Wildlife.

And for 6 years, we’ve been proud to call them our partner.

Our connection began during the devastating bushfires in 2020. Like so many others, we rushed in to help. But what started as an emergency response quickly grew into something more. From our very first conversations with the WA Wildlife team, their compassion, commitment, and dedication stood out. It was clear this was a partnership we wanted to continue.

In 2021, we helped them acquire the region’s first-ever emergency wildlife ambulance. And we’ve been proud to fund this life-saving program ever since.

This ambulance is truly a lifeline. It allows trained rescue officers to reach injured animals like kangaroos, birds, and other native wildlife, even in remote areas where help might not otherwise arrive in time. It means faster response, better care, and more second chances.

WA Wildlife has been caring for native animals since 1998. Founded out of a deep concern for wildlife, the organization has spent more than two decades rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating animals in need.

Today, their work is more important than ever.

Each year, thousands of animals are brought to the WA Wildlife Hospital due to vehicle strikes, orphaning, disease, habitat loss, entanglement, and other environmental challenges. Behind every one of those animals is a team working tirelessly to give them the best chance at recovery and release back into the wild.

Their work doesn’t just help animals. It supports entire communities and helps protect Australia’s unique wildlife for the future.

We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting WA Wildlife and the life-saving work they do every single day.

There are some reunions that just stick with you, and Guru’s is definitely one of them.

His story began thousands of miles away in Poland, where U.S. Army Captain Emma first met him. He was this tiny, scrappy cat trying to survive the freezing cold on his own. One night, as Emma was walking home, he approached her with no hesitation. And from that moment on, something clicked between them.

Emma did everything she could to make sure Guru was cared for while she was deployed. But eventually, like so many service members, she had to come home. Leaving him wasn’t easy. She couldn’t stop thinking about him out there in the cold, trying to make it on his own. So she reached out to our Patriot Pets program.

Our team got to work, determined to bring Guru somewhere safe and, most importantly, back to Emma. It wasn’t simple. It took international travel, careful coordination, and a lot of moving pieces coming together at just the right time. But in the end, we made it happen.

Guru made the long journey from Poland to New York City, where our team was waiting to welcome him. From there, they hit the road, bringing him straight to Boston. Straight back to the person he trusted from the very beginning.

When Guru and Emma saw each other, nothing else mattered. Guru didn’t hold back. He went right to Emma, like no time had passed at all.

Now, Guru is finally home. No more freezing nights. No more uncertainty. Just a safe, happy life with the person he loves most. And it gets better, because Guru now also has a new sibling, a sweet rescue dog. 

We’re so grateful we could be part of bringing Guru and Emma back together. And we can’t wait to share more updates as Guru settles into the life he always deserved.

At SPCA International, we believe real change for animals starts in the community. That’s why we’re so excited to share that we’ve given a $100,000 grant to our amazing partner, Korean K9 Rescue, for their new program, Operation 1M.

Operation 1M has one clear goal: to bring compassionate, practical solutions to rural communities that need them most.

In these areas, dogs are often kept on short chains and used as guard dogs. Many families care about their animals but don’t have access to veterinary care or lack the education to provide proper animal care. Operation 1M steps in with support, not judgment. The team works with families in ways that build trust and create lasting change.

Through this initiative, a dedicated team of volunteers provides:

• Free spay and neuter services to reduce overpopulation
• Ongoing veterinary care to keep dogs healthy
• Weather-resistant dog houses to protect dogs from harsh conditions
• Pulley systems that replace short chains, allowing dogs more room to move safely

These changes may seem simple, but they make a huge difference. Dogs are safer, healthier, and much happier.

Education is at the heart of Operation 1M. The team works closely with families, sharing humane animal care practices in respectful ways that respect local traditions. This helps create real change that will last for years.

We are proud to support Korean K9 Rescue and their work through Operation 1M. Together, we’re not just helping dogs today. We’re helping build a future where every dog is treated with care and respect.

Because of you, 15 sweet Galgos were rescued from neglect, cruelty, and abuse. Many had been discarded at the end of hunting season. They were treated as disposable once they were no longer “needed.”

Today, their lives look completely different. They’re here in the United States, finally safe. Some are settling into foster homes, decompressing and learning what it feels like to be loved. Others are already in their forever homes, discovering the joy of having a family of their own.

Every single one of them is living a happier, safer life because your support made their rescue possible. And nothing brings us more joy than sharing their happiness with you, the person who helped make it all happen.

Earlier this month, our team traveled to Spain to meet with our dear partners at SOS GALGOS. It was a trip filled with learning, advocacy, rescue work, and unforgettable moments of compassion. Alongside SOS GALGOS, we met with local leaders, rescued dogs in need, marched for change, educated children, and helped 15 Galgos begin new lives in the United States. 

We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this without your support. Here’s a look at everything we accomplished together.

Standing Together on World Galgos Day

Our trip lined up with World Galgos Day, a powerful day of marches and demonstrations across Spain and around the world. In Barcelona, nearly 1,000 people gathered to stand up for Galgos and other hunting dogs who face terrible abuse.

The march began near Arc de Triomf and continued through the city to the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya. Our SPCA International banners drew attention as marchers chanted and called for change. The message was clear: the world is watching, and Galgos deserve better. 

We will continue to raise awareness of the suffering of Galgos worldwide. More people must understand the reality of these animals if we want real, lasting change. 

Meeting With Local Leaders for Change

Our journey took us to Calatorao, where we met with David Felipe, the town’s mayor. We had a positive and meaningful conversation about the welfare of Galgos and the urgent need for compassion-driven change.

We explained why the current legal status of Galgos is harmful, what we hope to see in the future, and the steps that can be taken to achieve it. We also provided copies of the children’s book for local teachers to use in their classrooms.

By helping children learn empathy and kindness at a young age, we hope to inspire a future where animals are treated with care and respect. Real change begins with education, open dialogue, and working together.

Inspiring Compassion Through Education

While in Barcelona, we joined SOS Galgos for one of their School Workshops at the shelter. These workshops teach children about the lives of Galgos, the hardships many face, and why compassion matters.

The day ended with a special reading program. Children sat quietly, reading their favorite books aloud while the dogs rested beside them. For many rescued Galgos, who arrive scared and unsure of people, these gentle moments help them relax and begin to trust again. Watching children and dogs comfort one another was incredibly moving and reminded us of the power of kindness.

Rescuing Aragon

We also spent time with a local rescuer named Martha, whose deep knowledge of the area helps SOS Galgos save dogs from dangerous situations. She guided our team through villages and pointed out places where Galgos have been abandoned or injured in the past.

That same day, we met a Galgo who had been found alone at a gas station near the highway. He had no home, no bed, and no name. We named him Aragon, after the region where he was found.

Aragon traveled back with us to the SOS Galgos shelter in Barcelona. He was calm and gentle during the long car ride and arrived just before sunset. There, he enjoyed a warm meal, a soft bed, and his first night of safety and love. Aragon is now receiving medical care and beginning his journey toward a forever home.

Bringing 15 Galgos to Safety

One of the most exciting parts of our trip was helping 15 Galgos travel to the United States. These are the dogs you helped fundraise for earlier this year. Because of generous donors like you, these dogs were given a second chance.

We ensured every dog was prepared for their trips, with medical care, spay or neuter surgeries, vaccines, and travel documents. The pups were driven overnight from Barcelona to Madrid. There, we built 15 travel crates, filled them with fresh linens, gave each dog a new coat, and made sure they could stretch their legs and drink water before their 9.5-hour flight.

Our team accompanied the dogs on their 9.5-hour journey to O’Hare International Airport. There, four amazing rescue partners were waiting to welcome them: American Greyhound, Inc., Serenity Animal Group, Kansas City Regap, and Magnificent Mutts & Meows Rescue.

Together, we watched as each Galgo took their first steps on U.S. soil, then continued to their foster and forever homes across the Midwest.

This trip reminded us that real change happens through many small but meaningful actions, whether it is a conversation with a mayor, a child reading to a rescue dog, a march through city streets, or a quiet car ride with a dog finally heading toward safety.

None of this would be possible without the compassion of our supporters. Because of you, these dogs are getting a second chance at life.

Thank you for standing with us and for helping create a kinder world for animals everywhere.

February is Spay & Neuter Month, and at SPCA International, we are proud to celebrate it with action.

This year, we are committing more than $270,000 to spay-and-neuter efforts around the world. These funds will support trusted partners in Brazil, Nepal, Panama, Serbia, South Korea, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, the United States, and Venezuela, helping them spay and neuter stray animals and provide free or low-cost sterilizations to pets in low-income communities.

Every day, animals are born into situations where there are not enough homes, food, or medical care. Unplanned litters often mean more animals living on the streets, facing hunger, disease, injury, and cruelty.

Spaying and neutering is the most humane and effective way to prevent this suffering before it starts.

When animals are spayed or neutered:

• Fewer puppies and kittens are born without homes
• Communities see fewer animals living on the streets
• Shelters are less overcrowded
• Animals live healthier, longer lives

Spaying and neutering is not about limiting life. It is about protecting it.

Spay & Neuter Month is a time to celebrate progress, but it is also a reminder that this work must continue year-round.

At SPCA International, we remain committed to humane, practical solutions that protect animals and support the people who care for them. By investing in spay and neuter programs around the world, we are helping build a future where fewer animals suffer, and more can live safe, healthy lives.

Together, we can stop the cycle of overpopulation and create kinder communities for animals everywhere.

Last month, we shared an urgent plea to help a Galgo in desperate need. Camino was found dumped in a plastic bag. We don’t know who left her there, or what she endured before that moment, but we knew we had to act. We had to make sure she would never feel pain like that again.

Her story broke our hearts. And when we asked for your help, you answered. Because of your support, Camino was rescued.

She is now safe in Barcelona at a shelter run by our trusted partners. She is receiving medical care, growing stronger each day, and slowly learning that she is no longer alone. Camino is now loved, protected, and one step closer to the forever home she deserves.

None of this would have been possible without you. Camino is alive today because you chose to care. Thank you!

When U.S. service member Angel was deployed to a base in Africa, he never expected to meet a tiny cat who would change his life. Nala was small, scared, and living on her own, but she quickly found comfort in Angel. From the start, the two formed a strong bond. Angel promised Nala that one day he would bring her back to the United States and give her the safe, loving home she deserved.

Before Angel could begin planning her rescue, things became more complicated. Nala was pregnant, and soon after, she gave birth. Life on the base was dangerous for stray animals, and when base security took Nala’s kittens for population control, Angel’s fear grew. He knew Nala would be next. If security found her, he would never see her again.

Sadly, that fear became reality. Nala was captured and dumped far out in the desert, left to starve and die. Angel was heartbroken. By then, he had already been sent back to the United States and could do nothing to help her. He believed he had lost her forever.

But Nala’s story didn’t end there.

Against all odds, when Angel later returned to the base, something incredible happened. Nala found him. After being abandoned in the desert, she had wandered back, searching until she reached the one person she trusted. When Angel saw her again, he knew he could not wait another moment. He reached out to us right away for help.

We moved quickly to bring Nala into our care and give her the love and medical attention she needed. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of our supporters, Nala was safe at last. With donor support, we were able to cover her care and arrange her journey home.

Soon after, Nala boarded a flight to Florida, where she was welcomed home by Angel’s wife. Today, Nala is happy, safe, and very much at home. She loves spending her days curled up next to her family and can’t wait until Angel’s deployment is over so she can jump into the arms of the hero who saved her.

In just a few days, our team is traveling to Spain to stand alongside local partners and animal welfare organizations in defense of Galgos, Spanish greyhounds who suffer unimaginable cruelty in the name of hunting.

Every year, Galgos are used by local hunters to chase hares during hunting season, which runs from October through February. During this time, many of these dogs are kept in terrible conditions. They are often starved and denied water, so they will hunt harder. They are not treated like living, feeling animals, but like tools.

When hunting season ends, the suffering does not stop. Many Galgos are brutally killed, beaten, hanged, or buried alive. Others are abandoned on the side of the road, injured, frightened, and left to survive on their own. These dogs did nothing wrong. They are gentle, loyal, and trusting, yet tens of thousands are discarded every year once they are no longer considered useful.

On February 1, SPCA International will join local partners and animal welfare organizations in Barcelona to march for the rights of Galgos. Together, we will raise awareness about the pain these dogs endure and urge the Spanish government to enact and enforce stronger animal welfare laws. This march is about raising awareness, promoting accountability, and driving change.

Our work in Spain will not stop there. We will be meeting with local officials to push for stronger protections for animals. We will also host educational workshops geared towards elementary school-aged children to help teach compassion and responsible treatment of animals to future generations. 

We will also travel to regions where Galgos are used for hunting and where they are frequently abandoned after the season ends. We aim to rescue some of these dogs and get them the care and safety they deserve.

This will be an emotionally challenging journey. Witnessing suffering firsthand is never easy. But it is necessary. Galgos cannot speak up for themselves, so we must be their voice.

We will be sharing updates from Spain on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as this important work unfolds. Please stay tuned, stand with us, and help us fight for a future where Galgos are protected, valued, and treated with the compassion they deserve.

Together, we are asking for change.