Category: Feature Stories

The holiday season is the perfect time to show some love to your furry friends and the pet parents in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your own pets or looking for the ideal gift for a fellow pet lover, we’ve curated a list of fantastic products that will make tails wag and hearts smile.

Custom Pet Portrait

Transform your pet into a work of art with a custom watercolor illustration portrait from a talented Brooklyn artist. It’s a unique and heartfelt gift that captures your pet’s playful essence in a an adorable, lasting keepsake.

Trail Dog First Aid Kit

For the adventure-seeking pet parent and their trail buddy, the Adventure Medical Kits ADS Trail Dog First Aid Kit is a must-have. It’s specially designed to address common injuries dogs encounter on the trail, including paw problems. This kit includes dressings, bandages, and essential tools like a splinter picker/tick remover to keep your dog safe and healthy on your outdoor adventures.

Patriot Pet Ranger T-Shirts

Show your love for dogs and support a good cause with these adorable 100% cotton t-shirts featuring dogs in pilot uniforms. Profits from the sales support our Patriot Pets program which helps reunite U.S. pilots with their beloved animals, making it a gift that gives back.

Grey Icon Dog Blanket

Keep your pup cozy and your furniture clean with this baby-soft fleece dog blanket. It’s perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth to your dog’s bed or crate and serves as a protector against unwanted pet hair. Plus, it’s stylish and functional.

Automatic Cat Feeder

Simplify feeding time for your feline friend with the WOPET automatic cat feeder. You can set a feeding schedule through the WOPET Life APP, and even record a 10-second voice message to reassure your cat when you’re not around. This thoughtful device ensures your cat is always well-fed and feels your presence.

Silicone Slow Feeder

Promote healthy eating habits for your dog with this silicone slow feeder. It helps prevent indigestion, choking, and vomiting by slowing down their eating pace. The food-grade silicone material is safe and durable, ensuring your dog enjoys every meal without discomfort.

Personalized Pet Figurine

Celebrate your pet’s unique personality with a custom-made polymer clay figurine. Handcrafted with love, these figurines make for an exceptional gift for pet parents. They’re a lasting memento of the special bond between humans and their furry companions.

Electric Nail Trimmer

Make nail grooming stress-free for both you and your pet with this advanced electric nail grinder. The diamond drum bit grinder is safe and comfortable, and the quiet motor minimizes stress for your pet. Keep those claws in check without the hassle of traditional nail clippers.

Cat Suncatchers

Add a touch of elegance to your home decor with these cat suncatchers. Made from high-quality, fire-resistant plastic, they are a beautiful and unique way to show your love for cats. Hang them in a sunny spot to enjoy the mesmerizing play of light and color.

Holiday Cat Bowl

Get into the festive spirit with this “merry catmas” cat food or water bowl. Your cat will dine in style during the holiday season, and it’s sure to bring some extra cheer to your home decor.

Fi Smart Dog Collar

For pet parents who want to keep a close eye on their dogs, the Fi Smart Dog Collar is a game-changer. With GPS and Wi-Fi tracking, step counting, and sleep tracking, you can ensure your dog is safe and active. Plus, it sends alerts if your dog ever escapes, helping you locate them quickly.

Bucket Biscuits

Treat your dog to the flavors they love with these natural, non-GMO biscuits. Made with whole wheat flour, peanut butter, pumpkin, chicken broth, bacon grease, cinnamon, and turmeric, these biscuits are a delicious and healthy snack for your furry companion.

This holiday season, celebrate the love between pets and their parents with thoughtful and enjoyable gifts that cater to their well-being, comfort, and style. Whether it’s a custom portrait, a practical first-aid kit, or a high-tech tracker, these gifts are sure to make tails wag and hearts melt.

Imagine encountering an animal in dire need, rescuing it, and then facing the heart-wrenching possibility of leaving it behind, never to see it again. This is precisely what happened to six compassionate members of the U.S. military during their deployment in the Middle East. While on their patrols, they came across animals in desperate situations, some teetering on the brink of death. Despite regulations prohibiting it, they rushed to assist these animals, providing them with the care they desperately needed. They took these animals under their wing, offering them a fighting chance at survival. However, due to military regulations that prohibited companion animals from traveling on military aircrafts, these soldiers were confronted with the harsh reality that they had no means of bringing the animals they had grown so attached to back to the United States.

We couldn’t stand by and let these heroes and their cherished animal companions be separated from each other. So, we embarked on a mission to reunite them. Thanks to your generous support, we raised the necessary funds for this mission, and just last week, we successfully brought these wonderful animals home.

We invite you to extend a warm welcome to Rye, Bongo, Whiskey, Bella, Scrappy, and Hesco as they arrive in the United States. We are confident that they will enjoy long and joyful lives alongside the heroes who stepped up when they needed it most.

Rye, Bongo, and Whiskey

These three siblings were found stuffed in a bag and abandoned on the side of a bridge. Kind members of the U.S. Army rushed to their aid. Without them, these tiny puppies, just a few weeks old at the time, would not have survived. Today, the pups and their heroes are together again. 

Bella

Army Specialist Elijah rescued Bella when she was just five months old. She was all alone, with no food, water, or shelter to protect her from the elements. Their connection was instantaneous, and their bond grew stronger with each passing day. Their remarkable tale touched the hearts of numerous compassionate donors who eagerly anticipated their heartwarming reunion. After months of navigating through red tape, rigorous testing, and trying to secure a flight, Bella has finally set paws on American soil and is now en route to the loving embrace of the hero who rescued her.

Scrappy

When Scrappy was just three weeks old, a kind Army Sergeant took him in. He knew the small puppy would have a hard time surviving on his own. Having seen how stray animals in the region were treated, the Sergeant made it his mission to make sure that Scrappy would not end up on the street. It took months of preparation, but Scrappy is now home in North Carolina and ready to make himself at home with the Sergeant and the rest of his forever family. 

Hesco

A courageous U.S. service member rushed to Hesco’s aid when he witnessed local children hurling him over a towering 16-foot barrier. In that critical moment, the Lieutenant made a solemn pledge to the vulnerable pup, vowing to shield him from harm’s way. Over the course of several months, he ensured Hesco’s well-being by providing sustenance, food, shelter, and love. As his deployment drew to a close, his determination to honor that promise burned even brighter. And just last week, Hesco and the hero who rescued him were joyfully reunited, and now they can embark on their new lives together in the United States.

PS: Copenhagen, who was rescued alongside siblings Rye, Bongo, and Whiskey will be taking her freedom flight once she has passed all the necessary tests. We’re excited to reunite her with her soldier soon and share that special moment with you. Be sure to stay tuned!

Every week, we receive more and more requests from U.S. service members who desperately need help bringing the beloved animals they befriend on deployment to safety. Each rescue can last from a few weeks to several months and costs between $4,000 to $9,000 per animal. We need your help reuniting these U.S. heroes with the animals they love.

As part of our Shelter Support program, we financially support the life-saving work of organizations around the globe. Among these remarkable organizations is the Putnam County SPCA, located in the state of New York.

Founded in 2011, the Putnam County SPCA has been on a steadfast mission to proactively enforce animal cruelty statutes at both the state and federal levels. Operating tirelessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they respond to more than 2,500 calls each year, dealing with cases that range from heart-wrenching instances of abandonment to the tragic realities of hoarding and abuse. With a small but dedicated team consisting of two sworn law enforcement officers and a group of passionate volunteers, Putnam SPCA is a beacon of hope for animals in the community.

A Recent Heartwarming Success:

One of the most touching examples of the Putnam County SPCA’s impact was their intervention in a case involving a kennel where over 65 animals were left without care following the owner’s passing. Remarkably, within just four weeks of the Putnam SPCA’s involvement, these animals—dogs, cats, goats, chickens, ducks, and donkeys—found new, loving homes. Their unwavering commitment to animal welfare is truly inspiring.

Championing the Voiceless:

The Putnam County SPCA’s commitment extends beyond providing shelter and medical care to animals seized during cruelty-related arrests; they also advocate for stronger animal cruelty laws at both the state and federal levels. As members of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, they played a pivotal role in the prohibition of puppy mills in the state of New York.

Empowering the Next Generation:

One of the remarkable aspects of Putnam County SPCA’s work is their commitment to humane education. They provide valuable insights and knowledge to other law enforcement agencies, schools, and the wider community. Their program, targeting students from 8th grade through high school, focuses on animal-centric law enforcement, is a testament to their dedication to fostering a future generation of animal advocates.

The Putnam County SPCA stands as a shining example of compassion, dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity. Their tireless efforts to protect and advocate for animals in need are nothing short of heroic.  SPCA International is honored to partner with them and support their extraordinary work.  We are delighted to announce that just last week, we had the honor of visiting them and providing $36,000 to assist in covering their operational expenses, enabling them to save more lives and bring more perpetrators of animal cruelty to justice. Together, we will persist in our fight on behalf of animals and seek justice for those who inflict pain and suffering upon them.

To learn more about our incredible Shelter Support partner, Putnam SPCA, be sure to follow their work on Instagram and Facebook

Now more than ever, donors are giving smarter, tax-savvy gifts that not only support our work to end animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse but also their own financial goals. Gifts from non-cash assets, such as Donor-Advised Funds, IRAs, and Stock portfolios can make a powerful impact on SPCA International’s work. Thanks to our partnership with FreeWill, you can ensure a cruelty-free world, and help us maintain accurate records of the gifts you make, reducing overhead and making sure your generosity goes further. Give smarter today.

We’re thrilled to announce that earlier this month, PAWsitive Recovery officially became a cherished member of the SPCA International family of programs, marking a momentous step forward in our organization’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of both animals and humans, especially those who have faced adversity. Through the PAWsitive Recovery program, we aim to provide people in recovery and animals in shelters a new “leash” on life, helping them heal from the wounds of addiction, trauma, and abuse. 

The PAWsitive Recovery Program Will Offer:

Temporary Pet Foster Care: PAWsitive Recovery provides safe and nurturing foster homes for pets belonging to individuals seeking treatment or those who have experienced domestic violence. This ensures that these beloved companions are cared for while their owners focus on healing.

Pet Visits: Individuals undergoing treatment can now reunite with their cherished pets while receiving the support they need. This heartwarming experience fills them with hope, serves as a wellspring of encouragement, and gives them something to eagerly anticipate on their journey to recovery.

Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities: PAWsitive Recovery creates opportunities for those in recovery or healing from domestic violence to volunteer and engage with shelter animals. This fosters a profound sense of purpose and connection, as they work together to create brighter futures.

Animal-Focused Therapy: The initiative incorporates animals into therapy sessions within treatment centers and shelters, amplifying the benefits of mental and emotional healing. These furry companions provide unwavering support and a safe space for individuals to open up and heal.

Animal-Focused Workshops: Educational workshops within treatment centers and shelters are designed to deepen the understanding of the incredible advantages offered by the human-animal bond. These workshops equip individuals with knowledge about the therapeutic potential of animals.

We are excited about this new partnership and know that working together we will reach new heights, enabling this life-saving program to extend its transformative services to more communities than ever before.

Visit PAWsitive Recovery to learn more about this new SPCAI program and how you can help people and animals in need. 

A group of U.S. soldiers deployed in the Middle East stumbled upon Rye, Copenhagen, Bongo, and Whiskey nestled in a bag discarded on the side of a bridge. The compassionate soldiers immediately took the puppies in. Without them, these innocent animals would not have survived. 

For months, the soldiers and their newfound furry companions bonded, growing closer and closer. With their deployments ending soon, the soldiers contacted us for assistance. They needed help to bring their beloved patriot pets home.

Military protocols barred these loyal dogs from accompanying their saviors on military flights, leaving the soldiers with few options. Fearing the fate of the pups if separated, they turned to us for hope. Thanks to the incredible generosity of SPCA International donors, we rallied funds to ensure the safe journey of Rye, Copenhagen, Bongo, and Whiskey.

Today, these pups are under our care at our facility in Iraq. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to prepare them for their much-awaited freedom flights to the U.S. Every detail is being tended to – from health checks and vaccinations to essential paperwork – all in preparation for their upcoming journey.

We’re eager to share the heartwarming reunions that lie ahead, so stay tuned for updates!

When the floods struck China, our partners on the ground reached out in desperation. Their plea for help triggered an immediate response from SPCA International. Amid the chaos, our partners faced a dire mission: to rescue 60 stranded dogs from a shelter rooftop and relocate another 400 dogs to higher ground for safety. Undeterred and brave rescuers risked their lives for days to save these animals. It took several days, but the rescuers were able to save the stranded dogs and bring them to safety. 

What began as a rescue for 460 dogs grew into a mission to aid over 2,100 dogs across 12 shelters in China. It was a huge undertaking, but we knew we had to support our partners in every way possible. One of their biggest challenges was access to food. 

The floods left these innocent animals stranded without food or safe drinking water, leaving them to eat spoiled kibble. But thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we were able to rally resources and supply 20 tons of kibble to the struggling shelters, ensuring no dog went hungry and replenishing their strength.

Although floodwaters have subsided in Beijing and Heiei, the aftermath lingers. Many shelters stand in ruins, needing repairs and rebuilding. Despite the hardships ahead, we are so happy to know that thanks to the rapid response from our partners on the ground and the compassion of our supporters, over 2,100 dogs are now safe and receiving the care and love they deserve.

We can’t express our gratitude enough for our supporters who answered the call in China’s darkest hour. And, of course, our partners for their relentless devotion to safeguarding these innocent lives.

To support future emergency relief efforts, donate towards our Disaster Relief Fund for Animals.

Last month, one of our partners sent us an urgent plea: they needed our help to save Ziggy, a sweet dog cruelly shot in the face by a heartless human. Thanks to the incredible support of generous donors like you, we were able to raise the necessary funds to ensure that Ziggy could receive the critical care he needed.

We rushed the funds to the veterinary team, allowing them to immediately conduct blood tests, x-rays and administer strong antibiotics to fight off infection and painkillers to ease his suffering.

The odds were undeniably stacked against Ziggy, but we refused to give up on him. The dedicated veterinary team provided round-the-clock care, leaving no stone unturned to help Ziggy regain enough strength for a crucial and life-saving surgery. 

The operation, lasting 2.5 hours, was successful, and Ziggy is now on the road to recovery. He is still receiving treatment for Leishmania and Ehrlichia, and the team is hopeful that they will be able to save Ziggy’s vision in one eye. 

Despite everything he’s endured, he is still loving and trusting and enjoys showering his caring medical team with affectionate cuddles and kisses.

While a second surgery is in the cards for Ziggy in the coming weeks, the veterinary team is optimistic that, with time to heal, he will go on to lead a healthy and joyous life. We can’t wait until Ziggy is fully recovered and able to find a loving home.

Be sure to follow us on social media for more updates on Ziggy’s recovery journey. 

Want to help with Ziggy’s ongoing medical care? Donate today. 

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If you are interested in giving Ziggy the caring forever home he deserves, please email [email protected], and we will contact you when Ziggy is available for adoption. Let’s get this good boy the home he is looking for!

We are teaming up with WeWard, a fantastic mobile app that allows its users to give back to charities they love simply by walking! 

Now, you can walk, jog, or even run your way into being a hero for animals! Whether strolling in the park with your pup or hitting the treadmill, every step counts in making this world better for animals in need. 

How to Use WeWard:

• Download the mobile app WeWard from the AppStore (Apple Users) or Google Play (Android Users)

• Authorize notifications for reminders to track your steps.

• Log in using your email, Apple account, Google account, or Facebook account.

• Allow WeWard access to your Health data to track your steps.

• Select your privacy settings, and you’re ready to go! 

• You’re now all set to use WeWard. Follow the prompts to learn how to better use the app.

• The step-by-step instructions will teach you how to validate your steps. Be sure to convert your steps every day to get points.

How to Give Back to SPCA International Using WeWard:

• Click the green icon on the top left to view your Wards balance.

• Choose “solidarity” under your My Wards balance.

• Find SPCA International among the eligible charities. Once you have 300 Ward points, you can make a donation.

Join us on this exciting journey of turning your daily walks into a powerful force of good. Together, we can ensure that every animal, big or small, gets the love and care it deserves. So, lace up those shoes, get moving, and let’s save some furry lives! 

Though our rescue missions frequently showcase dogs and cats, our passion for saving wildlife worldwide is just as strong. One of our proudest initiatives is funding the WA Wildlife Ambulance, which allows our partners in Australia to rescue animals in remote areas swiftly. Recently, the ambulance came to the rescue of a parrot shot by an 800mm arrow, a situation that could have been fatal without quick intervention.

Thanks to the timely response, our partners captured the bird within 30 minutes and rushed it to surgery at the WA Wildlife Hospital. Miraculously, X-rays showed the arrow missed all major organs. Our partners are providing constant care, and we’re optimistic about the parrot’s recovery and eventual release back into the wild.

This parrot is just one of the thousands of animals saved by the WA Wildlife Ambulance, and it’s all possible because of your generous support. Together, we continue to create a world where animals receive the care and compassion they deserve, no matter where they are.  

Meet some of the animals rescued thanks to the WA Wildlife Ambulance: