Category: Feature Stories

On November 15, animal lovers, advocates, and organizations came together at Pershing Square Plaza in New York City for a powerful day of action. Rally for Life: Save Turkey’s Stray Dogs, organized by our team at SPCA International in partnership with Haydiko (our partner from Turkey), Korean K9 Rescue, and Stray Dog Support, united a compassionate community dedicated to saving innocent stray dogs.

In Turkey, a heartbreaking new law has led to the brutal killing of countless stray dogs in response to the country’s growing stray population. Many of these dogs are healthy, friendly, and full of love—they deserve compassion and humane treatment, not cruelty.

Rally for Life

The rally kicked off in Pershing Square with moving speeches from SPCA International’s Director of Programs, Lori Kalef, and our partners. Their words energized the crowd and underscored the urgency of the crisis. From there, we marched to the Turkish Consulate, holding a peaceful protest and demanding an end to the inhumane law.

Throughout the event, we connected with fellow New Yorkers, raising awareness about the plight of Turkey’s stray dogs. We gathered signatures for our petition and gained media attention to help amplify our mission. The day showed how powerful we can be when we come together for animals in need.

But the battle for change is far from over. These innocent lives still need us to be their voice. We need your help to spread the word about what’s happening in Turkey. 

We won’t stop fighting for these dogs until real change happens. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to animals who deserve nothing less than compassion and safety.

Saving Lives in Turkey

Thanks to your support, Haydiko, our shelter partner in Turkey, has already saved over 100 dogs who were at high risk of being killed under this law. These dogs now have a second chance at life; many are waiting to find their forever homes. 

How You Can Help  

Let’s continue to stand together for the animals who cannot speak for themselves. Your voice, actions, and support truly make a difference.

Sign the petition: Add your voice to the growing demand for humane treatment.  

Donate: Your contributions enable our partners like Haydiko to rescue and care for dogs in urgent need. Every dollar makes a difference.  

Adopt: Give one of these deserving dogs a loving home.  

As 2024 comes to a close, we at SPCA International are taking a moment to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together this year—thanks to the generosity and commitment of donors like you. With your support, we’ve made a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people around the globe, from providing emergency medical care to reuniting beloved pets with their families. None of this could have happened without the kindness and dedication of our supporters and our incredible local partners on the ground. Let’s take a look at all that we’ve accomplished this year!

Reuniting Military Families with Their Pets

Through our Patriot Pets program, we proudly reunited 87 military members and their cherished pets, bringing comfort and joy to those who serve our country. Each reunion is a reminder of the special bond between our servicemembers and their animals, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to help keep these families together.

Bringing Refugee Families Back Together

The heartbreak of leaving a beloved pet behind is unimaginable, especially for those fleeing crises. Through our Refugee Aid program, we helped refugees from Venezuela, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Palestine reunite with their beloved pets, providing much-needed relief to these families during their journey to safety.

Strengthening Shelters Worldwide

Your donations helped fund grants for 112 shelters across 49 countries, empowering them to provide emergency medical care, food, shelter improvements, and transport for animals in their care. From rural communities to major cities, these shelters work tirelessly to protect animals, and your support has helped them go even further this year.

Millions of Veterinary Supplies Delivered

In 2024, we delivered over 10 million dollars’ worth of veterinary supplies to shelters and rescue organizations in the areas most in need. From vaccines and surgical equipment to everyday medical supplies, these donations have made a huge difference, especially in regions with limited access to veterinary care.

Sterilizing the Stray Population

Thanks to you, we spayed and neutered over 18,000 animals this year, helping prevent unwanted litters and reducing the number of animals struggling on the streets. Every sterilization brings us closer to a future where fewer animals face homelessness.

Standing with Animals in Crisis 

This year, we also responded to several critical situations around the world. Here are just a few of the major rescues and emergency deployments you made possible:

Morocco: We rescued 10 horses from severe abuse and neglect, ensuring they received the care and compassion they deserve.

Brazil: When catastrophic floods hit, we quickly deployed emergency aid and rescue support to save animals affected by the disaster.

Hurricane Helene in North Carolina: As communities faced devastation, we rushed to provide emergency relief for animals impacted by this powerful storm.

Ukraine: We funded a mobile veterinary clinic to care for animals affected by the ongoing war, providing vital resources to our partners on the frontlines.

Turkey: We stood alongside advocates for the welfare of stray dogs, campaigning for humane treatment and better living conditions.

Supporting People in Crisis

This year, we also extended our support to people escaping domestic abuse or battling addiction by providing foster care for their pets through our PAWsitive Recovery program. Through your generosity, we’ve kept pets safe and loved while their owners rebuild their lives and find their path forward.

Looking to the Future

This incredible year wouldn’t have been possible without you, our donors, and the extraordinary local partners working daily to bring hope to animals in need. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of animals and people worldwide.

From all of us at SPCA International, thank you for believing in this mission and being part of a global family that cares deeply for animals. Here’s to another year of compassion, resilience, and lifesaving work—together!

Treat your furry friends and their fabulous humans to gifts that’ll make tails wag and hearts melt! From playful toys and training treats to snuggly hideaways, we’ve got something for every pet and pet-lover on your list. 

Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs

This coffee table book is filled with beautiful photographs of rescue dogs, many of whom have found their way to forever homes. This heartwarming gift supports SPCA International’s work and celebrates the resilience and beauty of these animals.

Farm & Yard CozyCube Insulated Dog House

Keep outdoor-loving pups snug with this insulated dog house, designed to keep the cold out and the warmth in. Built tough, this is the perfect spot for dogs who enjoy fresh air all winter long while staying cozy in their own little space.

FurMe Dog & Cat Grooming Vacuum Kit

Say goodbye to shedding! The FurMe grooming vacuum kit collects hair while you brush, keeping pets fresh and floors fluff-free. Perfect for pets who love a little extra pampering (and owners who love a little less cleaning).

Goody Box Puppy Toys, Treats & Potty Training

Got a new puppy? This Goody Box has everything you need to keep them happy (and occupied) with treats, toys, and potty training essentials. It’s the ideal starter kit for puppies still learning the ropes.

Taleology Custom Pet Portrait Keychain

This thoughtful gift is perfect for pet parents who want to carry their furry best friends close to their heart (and keys)! Each wooden keychain features a custom hand-drawn pet illustration, making it a stylish and sentimental keepsake. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate their special bond, no matter where they go.

BARK Season’s Sweetings Advent Calendar for Dogs

Bring on the holiday spirit with this adorable advent calendar! Your dog will get a special treat each day, making December the best month ever. Watch their excitement build as they sniff out every new surprise!

NOVKIN LED Dog Collar

Light up those nighttime walks with this rechargeable LED collar, which keeps dogs safe and visible after dark. It’s waterproof, adjustable, and reusable—a little extra glow perfect for every dog, big or small.

Halinfer Space Capsule Cat Backpack

For the adventurous cat parent, this futuristic backpack makes outings with a kitty stylish and fun! The bubble window lets cats take in the view while feeling safe and secure inside. It’s ideal for hikes, trips to the vet, or just a stroll around town, adding a whole new way for cats to explore the world with their humans.

Piggy Poo and Crew Colorful Activity Snuffle Matt

This snuffle mat offers fun, foraging, and enrichment for sniffers of all skill levels. Hide treats within the folds for a mental challenge that’s also highly snackable—just watch them sniff, snort, and celebrate every tasty find!

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle

Does your dog like chasing squirrels? Now they can do it indoors! This toy puzzle hides adorable plush squirrels inside a tree trunk, letting dogs dig them out for endless play. It’s soft, squeaky, and adorable to watch!

Dog Casino Treat Puzzle, Level 3

The Dog Casino is the ultimate puzzle toy for expert problem-solvers! Hide treats in its sliding compartments and drawers to encourage your pup to think, paw, and work for their reward. It’s a brain-teasing challenge guaranteed to keep your dog engaged and entertained.

When rescuers found Panny, he was barely holding on, struggling to breathe. No one knows how long he had been trapped by his neck in 104-degree heat, but it was clear he had caused severe neurological damage. We worried he might not make it but never gave up on him.

Thanks to our incredible SPCA International community, we raised the necessary funds to ensure Panny got the round-the-clock care he desperately needed. We’re thrilled to share that your generosity made all the difference. Today, Panny has regained almost full mobility! Though he walks on three legs, he’s getting stronger and more confident each day.

It’s incredible to see how far he’s come. Panny has blossomed into a playful, curious cat full of life. His journey is a powerful reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together to help animals in need.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared his story, and sent their love. Your kindness saved Panny’s life, and we’re excited to watch him continue to thrive!

It’s been one incredible year since PAWsitive Recovery officially became an SPCA International program! Over the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this program, which provides a fresh start for both people and animals overcoming addiction, abuse, and hardship.

PAWsitive Recovery is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for individuals seeking help for substance abuse and mental health challenges and survivors escaping domestic violence. By removing the barriers of pet care, PAWsitive Recovery gives people the chance to focus on healing without the fear of losing their beloved pets. And we know how important that bond is—having a pet by your side can be the difference between hope and hopelessness.

Our program offers foster care for pets belonging to people in treatment, ensuring their furry companions are safe and well-cared for until they can be reunited. We’ve also hosted animal-assisted therapy workshops at sober living and treatment facilities, providing comfort, companionship, and the healing presence of animals to those in recovery. Through our volunteer program. PAWsitive Recovery has also provided individuals in recovery with the opportunity to be of service.

In just one year, PAWsitive Recovery has helped more than 400 people and animals, providing life-changing support across multiple states. Many participants have graduated from the program and are now living healthier, happier lives—alongside the pets that mean the world to them.

We’re incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished in just one year and even more excited about what’s to come. We can’t wait to watch the program grow, helping even more people and animals on their journey to recovery. Together, we’re creating brighter futures—for pets and their people.

Here’s to another year of PAWsitive change!

At SPCA International, we believe no one should have to leave their beloved pet behind—especially during times of hardship and uncertainty. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the heartwarming story of Carlos and his cherished cat, Katzel.

Originally from Venezuela, Carlos immigrated to Peru in 2018 to escape the turmoil and economic crisis ravaging his home country. For years, he and Katzel, his constant companion, built a new life together in Peru. But in 2023, Carlos received the life-changing news that he had been accepted into a resettlement program, allowing him to immigrate to the U.S. with refugee status. While it was an incredible opportunity for Carlos, there was a heartbreaking catch—Katzel wasn’t allowed to travel with him. 

Leaving Katzel behind in Peru was one of the hardest decisions Carlos ever had to make. She wasn’t just a pet; she was his family. But Carlos held onto hope, trusting that somehow, someday, they would be reunited.

That’s where SPCA International’s refugee program came in. We worked tirelessly to ensure Carlos and Katzel’s story had a happy ending. Our team coordinated Katzel’s safe journey from Peru to the U.S., navigating the complexities of international pet transport to ensure everything went smoothly.

After 13 long months apart, Carlos and Katzel reunited last month in Chicago, where Carlos is now building his new life. We’re happy to report that Katzel has already made herself at home and Carlos couldn’t be happier to have his “daughter” back. 

We are overjoyed to have played a part in reuniting Carlos and Katzel, and we look forward to helping more people like Carlos bring their beloved companions home where they belong.

In April, we reached out to you, our amazing supporters, to help us rescue Charlie, Petra, and Jordan – three puppies in danger of being left behind in the Middle East. The response was overwhelming, and thanks to your generosity, we raised the necessary funds to provide these puppies with food, shelter, and medical care while they prepared for their journey to the United States, where they would reunite with their soldiers.

Jordan, Petra, and Charlie when they were first rescue in the Middle East.

For months, Charlie, Petra, and Jordan enjoyed their time at our facility in the Middle East, receiving love and care from our dedicated team. But they were eager to reunite with the US service members who had rescued them when they were just weeks old. And late last month, the puppies finally took their freedom flight home, traveling all the way to Los Angeles.

We are thrilled to share that their long journey is over, and they are safe and back in the arms of the heroes who love them. Transporting animals across the world is challenging, and missions like this would not have been possible without the generosity of our supporters. Because of you, Charlie, Petra, Jordan, and many others are getting a second chance at life. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! Stay tuned for updates on Charlie, Petra, and Jordan as they start their new lives in the US.

Jordan, Petra, and Charlie now.

Patriot Pets Update:

Thank you for helping us bring Rocket, Farrah, Jayda, Coal, Snoopy, Koda, Joker, Rahma, Rico, Penguin, Pluto, and Eden into our care. These sweet pups are expected to take their flights home later this fall. We can’t wait to share more of their journeys with you. Be sure to stay tuned for some heartwarming reunions.

At SPCA International, we are deeply committed to protecting animals and the communities they live in. This World Rabies Day, we are thrilled to highlight the significant strides being made to combat rabies, a deadly but entirely preventable disease. By supporting our incredible partners around the globe, we are taking action to ensure that more animals and people are saved from this threat.

This year, we proudly provided over $43,000 in grants to support vaccination clinics in areas where they are needed most. With our assistance, vaccination events are being held in Tanzania, Pakistan, Uganda, Peru, and Zimbabwe. We estimate that these initiatives will vaccinate over 30,000 stray and owned animals, a critical step in preventing the spread of rabies.

Rabies is a disease that not only endangers the lives of animals but also poses a severe risk to humans, particularly in communities with large populations of unvaccinated dogs. Vaccinating dogs is one of the most effective ways to control rabies outbreaks and protect public health. Each vaccine administered moves us one step closer to eradicating rabies worldwide.

We are incredibly proud of our partners’ dedication and hard work in these countries. Their tireless efforts are making a real difference in the fight against rabies. From bustling cities to remote villages, these vaccination clinics reach animals that might otherwise go unprotected, bringing hope and safety to countless communities.

At SPCA International, our mission is to support and empower these local efforts, ensuring that resources and assistance are available where needed most. As we celebrate World Rabies Day, we remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating rabies and creating a safer world for animals and people.

Thank you for supporting this vital cause. Together, we are making a lasting impact, one vaccine at a time.

As we recognize Recovery Month, it’s important to celebrate the profound bond between humans and their pets. This bond often provides the strength and motivation to persevere through life’s most challenging moments. Pets offer unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of purpose, especially for those battling addiction. At SPCA International, we understand how vital this connection can be, which is why we’re proud to offer our PAWsitive Recovery program, a lifeline for both people and their beloved animals during times of crisis.

The PAWsitive Recovery Program: A Safe Haven for Pets

Addiction can be an isolating and overwhelming struggle, but the presence of a loyal pet can make all the difference. Our PAWsitive Recovery program is designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery by ensuring that their pets are well cared for while they focus on healing. We provide safe foster homes or board and train facilities for pets, offering peace of mind to their owners as they undergo treatment.

Knowing that their furry companions are safe and loved allows individuals to focus on their recovery without the added stress of worrying about their pets. For many, this assurance is crucial in their decision to seek help. Our program is not just about saving animals; it’s about saving lives by preserving the bond between humans and their pets.

Remembering Sean and Pickles: A Story of Love and Loss

In honoring Recovery Month, we also honor those we’ve lost. Sean, who reached out to our PAWsitive Recovery program for help earlier this year, was one of those individuals. Sean’s love for animals was evident throughout his life, and it was a source of solace during his darkest days. Highs and lows marked his journey, but his dog, Pickles, was a constant source of comfort and joy. Sean referred to Pickles as “the only friend he had.”

Sean’s mother shared with us, “Sean has always loved animals and brought all our pets to the family. In college, a puppy ended up on his front porch. He named him Roscoe and quickly grew to love him so much we said no girlfriend could compete. When he was deep in his addiction, he was unable to care for Roscoe and had to allow him to be adopted by someone who could give him a stable home.”

The loss of Roscoe was a turning point for Sean, leading him to seek sobriety. Once he got back on his feet, he found a new companion in Pickles, an Aussie puppy who quickly became the center of Sean’s world.

“Caring for Pickles gave Sean purpose and the ability to see a future,” his mother explained. “We knew Sean needed to have a companion to give him a reason to stay sober.”

Tragically, Sean lost his battle with addiction. We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and his beloved Pickles. While we mourn Sean’s loss, we are grateful that we could provide Pickles with a loving foster home while Sean sought help. Knowing that Pickles was safe gave Sean peace of mind during his treatment. Although Sean and Pickles didn’t get the happy ending they deserved, we are comforted by the knowledge that Pickles has since found a forever home where he is being showered with love and attention.

A Message of Hope

Sean’s story poignantly reminds us of the importance of reaching out for help when it’s needed, and the comfort that pets can provide during the most difficult times. Addiction is a devastating disease, but no one has to face it alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is hope, and there are resources available to help you heal—both for you and your beloved pets.

At SPCA International, we are committed to supporting people and their pets through our PAWsitive Recovery program. Together, we can help more people find the strength to overcome addiction and ensure that their loyal companions are waiting for them on the other side.