Category: Feature Stories

When wildfires swept through Los Angeles earlier this year, the Los Angeles Park Foundation and the LA Equestrian Center stepped up in an extraordinary way. Working together, they helped evacuate and care for over 400 large animals, providing a safe haven in the face of danger. Their dedication and swift action saved countless lives — but the experience also highlighted the need for more resources to handle future emergencies.

At SPCA International, we believe in empowering local organizations that make a real difference for animals in their communities. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a $20,000 grant to the Los Angeles Park Foundation! This funding will help them purchase essential equipment for large animal evacuations and emergency care, ensuring they’re even better prepared for whatever challenges may come.

While we can’t prevent wildfires, we can make sure that animal organizations on the frontlines have the tools and support they need to carry out life-saving work. From transport equipment to tools for cleaning debris, these resources will strengthen their ability to respond quickly and effectively — giving more animals a chance to make it through future disasters.

We’re honored to support the incredible teams in Los Angeles who work tirelessly to protect animals in times of crisis. 

We are thrilled to announce our newest corporate partner, Vertex Inc., a global leader in tax compliance software and services—and a company with a big heart for giving back.

Based in Pennsylvania, Vertex helps businesses of all sizes automate and simplify their tax processes. But beyond the impressive tech and innovation, what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Giving back is in their DNA. With over 1,500 employees across three continents, Vertex’s team members regularly volunteer in the communities where they live and work—not because they have to, but because they genuinely care. For decades, they’ve rolled up their sleeves to support local causes, driven by compassion and a desire to uplift others.

Now, that spirit of giving is extending to animals in need. We are honored and grateful to now be one of Vertex’s philanthropy partners. Their $20,000 donation will help us rescue and care for even more animals across the globe.

Thanks to Vertex, more tails will wag, more lives will be saved, and more animals will get the second chances they deserve.

From all of us at SPCA International—thank you, Vertex! We’re so excited to work together to make a lasting impact for animals everywhere.

At SPCA International, we believe that spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to prevent animal suffering. That’s why, in honor of Spay and Neuter Month, we provided nearly $165,000 in grants to our incredible Shelter Partners around the world. Thanks to this support, veterinarians from the United States to Ecuador, Australia, Ukraine, Mexico, Tanzania, Venezuela, Romania, and Brazil were able to provide free and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to thousands of animals.

These life-saving spay & neuter events not only help control overpopulation, but they also give animals a better chance at a healthier and happier life. Let’s take a look at just a few of the amazing efforts made possible by our partners!

Romania Animal Rescue

Our dedicated partner, Romania Animal Rescue, held an incredible clinic this February. They successfully sterilized over 200 dogs and cats, reducing overpopulation and improving the welfare of countless animals. We are so grateful for their hard work and commitment!

Fiona Animal Refuge of Hidalgo

Fourteen years ago, the founder of Fiona Animal Refuge of Hidalgo saw animals suffering in Mexico and decided to take action. Since then, their spay and neuter program has helped over 7,000 animals, and their team has treated more than 70,000 animals with medical care, vaccinations, and parasite treatments. With our recent grant, they hosted their second spay and neuter clinic of the year, already helping 150 animals—with two more clinics planned!

Amici Cannis

In Cotacachi, Ecuador, our partner Amici Cannis Foundation has been making incredible strides in managing the local dog population. Their bi-annual surveys show that over 85% of the city’s community dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated. With our grant, they provided 142 spay and neuter surgeries, along with rabies vaccinations, deworming treatments, and health check-ups—making a lasting impact on both animals and families in need.

Pet Project Rescue

Pet Project Rescue is dedicated to ending animal homelessness. In honor of Spay and Neuter Month, we supported their clinic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where they sterilized over 1,000 dogs and cats. Their free spay and neuter services help prevent future suffering and build healthier communities for both animals and people.

Jerusalem SPCA

For over 80 years, the Jerusalem SPCA (JSPCA) has been a leader in animal rescue and welfare. As the only animal shelter in the greater Jerusalem area, they care for up to 200 animals at a time. With the help of our grant they’ve also been able to continue their Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to humanely control the feral cat population.

Why Spaying and Neutering Matters

Every year, millions of animals around the world are born without homes. Spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the number of animals suffering on the streets, and improves the overall health of pets. It also helps reduce behavioral issues and certain diseases, leading to happier, healthier animals.

Continuing the Mission

Thanks to our supporters and Shelter Partners, the work doesn’t stop here. These grants will help our partners continue their ongoing spay and neuter efforts, ensuring that more animals receive the care they need. We are proud to stand alongside these organizations, working together to create a better world for animals everywhere.

When a U.S. Air Force Sergeant deployed to the Middle East met a pregnant stray dog on base, he couldn’t turn away. The mama dog, desperate for food and water, found kindness and care from the Sergeant and his team of medics. They watched over her, providing nourishment and safety.

In the quiet moments between their duties, the team watched over the mother dog as she gave birth to six tiny, precious puppies. Without hesitation, they became caretakers, making sure the mom and her newborns had food, water, and a safe place to rest. The puppies’ father would occasionally visit the base. But heartbreak soon followed — locals who feared strays killed the father, and shortly after, the mother disappeared.

Despite their grief, the soldiers stepped up to care for the vulnerable pups. Among the litter, one curious pup, Sy, stood out. He clung to the Sergeant, following him around the base like a shadow, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

As their deployment came to an end, the soldiers faced a heartbreaking realization — they couldn’t leave this newfound family behind. The Sergeant, deeply attached to Sy and another pup named Brendal, knew he had to bring them home. Each servicemember agreed to adopt one of the puppies, giving them the loving homes they deserved.

That’s when they reached out to us. Through our Patriot Pets program, we jumped in to help. We brought the dogs into our care, providing them with medical attention, vaccinations, food, and training to prepare them for their long journey to the United States. After completing all necessary tests and requirements, they finally boarded their flights to reunite with their soldiers.

Now, Sy and Brendal are home — curled up in the arms of the Sergeant who saved them. The rest of the litter is equally loved and cherished, living the lives they were always meant to have. 

Their journey wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our supporters, who help us answer the call every time a servicemember rescues an animal in need. Every month, we receive requests from soldiers who, even in war zones, can’t ignore an animal’s cry for help. The road to bringing these animals to safety is lengthy, expensive, and complex — but with your support, we can continue reuniting heroes with the animals who saved them.

Thank you for making miracles like Sy and Brendal’s homecoming possible.

Last month, SPCA International deployed a dedicated team to Los Angeles to lend a hand in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California. These fires not only destroyed homes and landscapes but also deeply impacted the lives of countless animals and their families. With a clear mission in mind—to provide essential aid to both animals and people of these disasters—our team partnered with local organizations on the ground to make a real difference.

We began our mission by working alongside EARS, a compassionate team providing emergency relief for those affected by the Palisades wildfire. We were able to distribute critical supplies to those who had lost everything. This included pet food, bedding, toys, cleaning products, and other essential items to make life a little easier for pets in need.

But our efforts didn’t stop there. We also assisted Operation Blankets of Love, a California-based rescue organization known for rushing life-saving supplies to those impacted by natural disasters. With their help, we delivered pet crates and carriers to ensure that displaced pets were safe and comfortable during transport. We also provided Operation Blankets of Love with lots of cat food so that they’re prepared to aid cat parents next time there’s a need.

Additionally, we joined forces with the Animal Advocacy Network to assist in search and rescue operations. This group has done incredible work, rescuing over 170 animals from the wildfires. Our team helped provide them with the tools they needed to continue their vital mission, including a generator and two-way radios to help them communicate while working in the fire zone.

As the fires spread, our team quickly responded when the Hughes wildfires broke out. We worked with The Gentle Barn, a local animal sanctuary that cares for over 100 animals. While the sanctuary fortunately remained untouched by the fires, we helped them prepare for evacuation just in case the flames came too close.

One of the most heartwarming moments of our week-long trip was helping Charlie Brown, a 7-year-old dog who had lost her home in the wildfires. Though Charlie Brown lost her home, our team was able to find her a loving foster home where she could rest and recover until she could be reunited with her owner.

Recognizing the ongoing impact of the wildfires, our team returned to California last week (February 7th and 8th) to provide even more support to those in need. Thanks to Amazon‘s generous donation of 400 lbs of essential pet supplies and Hill’s Pet Nutrition‘s contribution of 100 bags of dog and cat food, we were able to make a meaningful difference.

Partnering with Modern Animal, a veterinary company in Culver City, we hosted a two-day relief event, distributing much-needed essentials to families and their beloved pets.

Throughout our time in Southern California, we witnessed incredible acts of kindness and resilience. We met local rescuers, volunteers, and fire victims who, despite their own devastating losses, were selflessly offering their time and support to help others. Their determination to rebuild and help those in need, whether human or animal, left a deep impression on all of us.

While the immediate danger has passed, the rebuilding process will take time—and it will require the continued support of the broader community. Animal groups on the ground are still in need of help to provide ongoing care for animals affected by the fires. We urge you to consider donating to our Disaster Relief Fund to help these organizations rebuild and continue their vital work. Together, we can ensure that these resilient communities—and the animals they care for—receive the ongoing support they deserve.

Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and for standing by us in the face of disaster. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Donate today to help us continue our work in Southern California and beyond.

This year, SPCA International is proud to announce that we have provided nearly $165,000 in grants to our incredible shelter partners worldwide to support their spay and neuter efforts. Thanks to these funds, more than 9,700 animals will be sterilized, making a significant impact on humanely managing stray animal populations and improving the quality of life for both animals and their communities.

Sterilization efforts will take place around the world, including in the United States, Australia, Tanzania, Peru, Mozambique, Venezuela and Ukraine. Each of these campaigns is tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by local animal populations, addressing issues such as overpopulation, limited access to veterinary care and community education.

Why Spay & Neuter Matters

Uncontrolled breeding can lead to overpopulation, which often results in countless animals living on the streets, struggling to find food, and facing illness or injury. This leads to overcrowded shelters and forces local governments to resort to ineffective population control methods, often resulting in inhumane killings.

Spaying and neutering programs are crucial to breaking this cycle. These procedures not only prevent unwanted litters but also improve overall animal health, reducing the risk of certain cancers, infections, and behavioral issues. Beyond individual benefits, spaying and neutering play a critical role in public health by curbing the spread of zoonotic diseases, minimizing aggressive behaviors that can lead to attacks, and reducing the number of stray animals, which helps protect both them and the communities they live in.

How You Can Help

Want to make a difference? Spay and neuter your pets, support local animal shelters, and consider donating to SPCA International so that we can continue to fund lifesaving programs around the globe. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for animals everywhere.

This Spay & Neuter Month, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made while recommitting ourselves to the work that still lies ahead. Together, we can change the lives of animals and the communities they call home—one spay or neuter at a time.

At SPCA International, we know partnerships can change lives. Our work with Farm & Yard is a perfect example. Since the summer of 2024, Farm & Yard, a pet products company dedicated to animal welfare, has supported our PAWsitive Recovery program, which helps individuals and their pets overcome challenges such as addiction, mental health struggles, and domestic abuse to achieve a fresh start. Their generosity has become a big part of how we help both pets and their owners heal.

Since our partnership began, Farm & Yard has donated over 3,000 pounds of dog food, making a huge difference for animals and the people in our PAWsitive Recovery foster network. With their help, pets are well-fed and cared for, giving their owners peace of mind as they focus on healing. This support is a lifeline for people overcoming addiction, escaping domestic violence, or navigating other challenging circumstances.

But Farm & Yard’s generosity doesn’t stop there. This past holiday season, their donations helped us reach even more people and pets in Denver, Colorado. Thanks to Farm & Yard, we provided dog food to low-income families and pet owners experiencing homelessness, making the holidays a little brighter for those in need and their beloved pets.

SPCA International’s PAWsitive Recovery program offers temporary foster care for pets while their owners get treatment, animal-focused workshops, and therapy with animals at treatment centers and shelters. This program helps heal the wounds of addiction, trauma, and abuse—for both people and their pets. Farm & Yard’s support makes this work possible, giving us the tools to help those who need it most.

We’re so thankful to Farm & Yard for their kindness and dedication to helping animals and those who love them. Together, we’re showing that teamwork, care, and compassion can create a brighter future for everyone. Thank you, Farm & Yard, for making a difference—one paw at a time.

Balto and Nanouk’s journey began in the chaos and peril of war-torn Ukraine. As vulnerable puppies, they were rescued and given a second chance at life at Sava’s Safe Haven in Romania, a trusted shelter partner of SPCA International.

Cherished by everyone at Sava’s Safe Haven, Balto and Nanouk grew into gentle, loving dogs. However, their large size made it hard for them to find forever homes in Romania or elsewhere in Europe, leaving these pups to spend most of their lives at the shelter.

When our SPCA International team visited Romania last year, we couldn’t help but be drawn to Balto and Nanouk. Despite all they had been through, they were resilient, kind, and so full of love. We knew we had to help them get the happy ending they deserved.

After months of planning, the day finally arrived. Earlier this month, Balto and Nanouk began their life-changing journey from Romania to Canada. It was a bittersweet goodbye for the Sava’s Safe Haven team, who had cared for them for so long, but they knew it was time for these brothers to move on to a brighter future.

When they landed in Canada, the SPCA International team greeted Balto and Nanouk with open arms. The reunion was heartwarming, filled with love, cuddles, and plenty of treats. These two brave dogs, who have come so far from the war-torn streets of Ukraine, are now ready to take the next step toward finding their forever families.

Balto and Nanouk are now settling in with their foster families in Canada. They are adjusting to the comforts of a safe, loving environment. Their foster families say both dogs are incredibly affectionate, gentle, and eager to please. While they’re still looking for their forever homes, we have no doubt their loving personalities will win over the hearts of their future families.

We are so grateful to Sava’s Safe Haven for their dedication to Balto and Nanouk. Their compassion has been remarkable, from rescuing them during the war to providing them with years of care and shelter. This story shows what’s possible when organizations and people unite to make a difference.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these special pups. If you or someone you know is looking to welcome a loving, new furry member into their family, Balto and Nanouk could be the perfect fit. 

Interested in adopting Balto or Nanouk? Please email us at [email protected]

There’s nothing quite like the bond between a person and their beloved animal. This holiday season, we’re thrilled to share that, thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters like you, we’ve recently reunited over 30 amazing cats and dogs with their loving families.

Welcome These Patriot Pets Home!

Through our Patriot Pets program, which helps soldiers bring home the stray animals they rescued during deployment, we recently transported a group of cats and dogs from the Middle East to New York City. From there, they traveled to their final destinations across the country. These Patriot Pets are now safe, loved, and back in the arms of their soldiers—where they belong. And they’re just a few of the lucky ones!

PAWsitive Reunions!

Through our PAWsitive Recovery program, we’ve reunited pets back to individuals who have overcome addiction or escaped domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives. Each reunion is uniquely special, and we couldn’t be more excited to share some heartwarming stories with you. Truly, there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than with these joyful moments of love and hope!

In early October, our SPCA International team traveled to Romania, a country that has seen an inspiring transformation in animal welfare. Just over a decade ago, Romania faced a tragic crisis with its stray dog population. In 2013, the government enacted a law that led to the mass culling of stray dogs, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of animals. Today, however, Romania is on a compassionate journey of change, thanks to the hard work of dedicated citizens, advocates, and animal welfare organizations.

Our journey began in the small village of Branistea at Sava’s Safe Haven, an SPCA International partner since 2016. Alongside the local animal police, we held an animal welfare workshop at a nearby school. Watching the eager students learn about animal rights and kindness was incredibly heartwarming and left us hopeful for a future where all animals are treated with compassion.

Sava’s Safe Haven cares for over 200 dogs, each with a touching story. We were especially moved by Balto and Nanouk, two puppies rescued from the war in Ukraine. These sweet pups have endured so much yet are still full of love. We’re excited to help bring them to North America, where they’ll find the forever homes they deserve.

Throughout our visit, we were involved in several rescues, including treating two frail puppies with parvo and helping a dog injured in a car accident. We’re thrilled to share that all three are doing well now!

We also spent time with Dog Rescue Romania, our partner of ten years, pulling dogs from municipal shelters to give them a second chance. These dogs who would not have survived if they stayed at the local shelter, are now being cared for by our dedicated partners and we are hopeful that we will soon be able to find them loving, forever homes.

During our trip, we also met with Romania Animal Rescue, a new Shelter Support partner for 2024, who hosted a large spay/neuter clinic to help humanely manage the dog population. We also visited the Sache Foundation, where SPCA International has supported a recovery room in their veterinary hospital for animals of low-income families, providing much-needed care for the community.

Today, Romania’s animal welfare laws require pet owners to spay and neuter their animals, a huge step toward reducing stray populations. The compassion we witnessed throughout Romania gives us hope that this positive change will continue, and we’re honored to support these remarkable rescue partners leading the way to a better future for Romania’s animals.