Author: SPCAI Staff

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.

Earlier this year, we shared the heartbreaking stories of three dogs in desperate need of help — Rani, Ari, and Gerry. Thanks to your kindness, these sweet pups are now safe, healing, and surrounded by love!

When our partners first rescued them, their conditions were dire. Gerry had been beaten, and his eye was severely injured. We weren’t sure if his eye could be saved. Ari had been burned and even run over by a car. Rani, just a young pup, was starving, hurt, and sick with ticks and infections. His front leg was broken, and he was so weak.

But because of you, everything changed. They got the medical care, food, and love they needed to heal.

We’re so happy to share that Ari, Gerry, and Rani have made full recoveries! They are all healthy, playful, and ready to find their forever homes. Best of all, Gerry’s eye was saved! He can see just fine now and loves everyone he meets.

These three dogs are proof that kindness can change everything. You gave them a second chance, and now they get to be happy, loved, and carefree.

Thank you for caring so much and for helping animals like Rani, Ari, and Gerry find hope again.

This holiday season, we’re celebrating some of the recent touching reunions made possible by our Patriot Pets program—moments where compassion, courage, and devotion brought U.S. service members and the animals they rescued back together on American soil.

Pluto

When Richard first spotted Pluto wandering near his base in Poland, the little cat was skinny, limping, and struggling to survive. Richard stepped in immediately, providing Pluto with the medical care he needed and offering the comfort and companionship that only a true friend can give. Far from home, Pluto became Richard’s emotional anchor, a steady source of joy during long, challenging days.

When it was time for Richard to return to El Paso, Texas, he couldn’t imagine leaving Pluto behind. Thanks to our Patriot Pets program and the generous supporters who fuel it, he didn’t have to. We brought Pluto into our care, arranged his transport to the U.S., and reunited him with Richard in a beautiful moment captured on video. Today, the two are back where they belong: together.

Imchi

Palmer found Imchi when she was a tiny, 8-week-old kitten trying to survive in the Middle East. He knew right away that she needed help. He became her protector, caregiver, and family during his deployment.

When Palmer’s time overseas came to an end, he reached out to us to ensure Imchi could also go home. On the day before Thanksgiving, the pair reunited at the Seattle airport, where Palmer joyfully announced, “It’s the baby’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas.” Now Imchi is settling into life with Palmer and his family, warm, safe, and surrounded by love, just in time for the holidays.

Grace

Grace was a pregnant stray when U.S. soldiers first noticed her wandering near their work area in the Middle East. She later returned with four tiny kittens, an entire little family looking for kindness. The soldiers took the family in, all promising to provide them with homes in the United States. And with our help, they did it! We were able to bring this cat family into our care and eventually help transport them to their forever homes in the United States, where they will live with their respective soldiers.

These reunions remind us why our Patriot Pets program matters so deeply. For many soldiers, the animals they rescue become family. And thanks to caring people like you, these families get the chance to stay together, no matter the distance.

It’s that magical time of year again — the season of giving, cuddles by the fire, and spoiling our furry family members! Whether you’re shopping for a friend or family member and their beloved pet or want to treat your own four-legged companion, we’ve rounded up the perfect gifts that celebrate the special bond we share with animals.

Pajamas from Pittie Clothing Co

What’s better than cozying up on a chilly winter morning in matching PJs with your pet? Pittie Clothing Co. offers adorable pet pajamas (and matching human sets!) that bring instant joy and make for the cutest photos for your holiday card. And what’s even better is that Pittie Clothing Co. is committed to giving back to pitties in need. They’ve donated over 4,000 pajamas to animal shelters nationwide and donate a percentage of their proceeds to help shelter animals find their forever homes. 

Fi Smart Tracking Collar

Safety meets style with the Fi Smart Collar — a GPS-enabled tracker that helps keep pets safe and gives owners peace of mind. Best of all, when you purchase a Fi collar through SPCA International’s partnership, a portion of the proceeds helps fund our global efforts to rescue and protect animals in need. It’s a gift that gives back in the most meaningful way.

Custom Portrait from Perkie Prints

Perkie Prints allows you to put a portrait of your pet anywhere you can think of, from t-shirts and mugs to baby onesies and Christmas ornaments. Their website is easy to use, making creating a custom gift fun and effortless.

Bistro Tile Small Stoneware Dog & Cat Bowl

Serve up style this holiday season with the Bistro Tile Small Stoneware Dog and Cat Bowl. This beautifully crafted bowl brings a touch of elegance to mealtime. Made from durable stoneware, it’s perfect for both food and water and sturdy enough to handle even the most enthusiastic eaters.  Whether you’re treating your own pet or gifting it to a fellow animal lover, this charming bowl is sure to make every meal feel just a little more special.

Snuffle Ball by Lambwolf Collective

Make playtime extra special with the Holiday Monti Snuffle Ball. It’s soft, durable, and designed to engage your pet’s mind by hiding treats inside its folds. A fun way to keep pets entertained while stimulating their natural foraging instincts.

Custom Pet Portrait Denim Jacket

This custom hand-painted pet portrait denim jacket is an absolute showstopper and the perfect gift for someone who loves fashion and their pet. Each jacket is one-of-a-kind and painted with love, turning your furry friend’s face into wearable art that’s sure to turn heads (and tails).

Barkwhiz Puzzle Toy

For curious pups who love a challenge, the Barkwhiz Puzzle Toy is the ultimate boredom buster. It’s interactive, durable, and helps build your dog’s problem-solving skills — perfect for keeping those winter blues away.

Frisco Holiday Advent Calendar

Add a little extra joy to the countdown this holiday season with the Frisco Holiday Advent Calendar for Cats! This festive set lets you celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with your favorite feline. Each day reveals a new toy to keep your cat active, curious, and entertained. Thoughtfully designed by the pet experts at Chewy, every toy encourages interactive, mentally stimulating play for endless fun.

Custom Pet Slippers

What’s cozier than slippers on a winter morning? Slippers with your pet’s face on them! These custom fluffy slippers are soft, adorable, and make an unforgettable gift for any pet lover who wants to carry their furry friend everywhere they go.

Personalized Dog Bone Ornament

Make your holiday tree extra special this year with the Personalized Lenox Dog Bone Ornament! This elegant keepsake adds a touch of timeless charm to your festive decor. The ornament can be personalized with your pet’s name, making it the perfect way to celebrate your furry family member. Whether it’s for your own pup or as a heartfelt gift for a fellow dog lover, this ornament is a delightful way to honor the pets who make the holidays so merry and bright.

We are excited to announce one of our most exciting projects yet: Clinic in a Box! This fully equipped mobile veterinary clinic is built to bring essential medical care directly to animals in need. Inside, veterinarians can perform spay and neuter surgeries, give vaccinations, and provide general treatment to pets who might otherwise go without care. For too many animals, access to veterinary services is limited by cost, distance, or long wait times. Clinic in a Box is designed to overcome those barriers and ensure that animals in underserved or remote areas receive the care they deserve.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we are thrilled to announce that we will launch this clinic with a multi-day spay and neuter event in Kern County, California. Partnering with our longtime friends at Marley’s Mutts, who have been committed to improving the lives of animals and people across California for years, we will provide sterilization surgeries and medical care for approximately 400 animals. This event will not only give pets the care they urgently need, but it will also address one of the root causes of the crisis: overpopulation. Spaying and neutering reduce the number of unwanted litters, ease the burden on shelters, and increase the chances of every pet finding a loving home.

Kern County faces one of the country’s most severe animal welfare challenges. Nearly 40 percent of animals in shelters are euthanized, and there is often a waiting list of about 500 animals needing spaying and neutering services. Even more concerning, around 90 percent of animals in the area are not yet altered. By directly bringing Clinic in a Box into these communities, we can help families who cannot afford or access traditional clinics. This project will finally allow people in remote and underserved areas to get the veterinary care their pets need.

We are in the final stages of planning this event and cannot wait to share more updates with you. The launch of Clinic in a Box is only the beginning. Our long-term vision is to bring these mobile clinics to communities across the United States and eventually worldwide. With every animal treated and every community served, we are one step closer to a future where no pet is left without care.

Thank you for believing in this vision and for making it possible to take this exciting first step toward healthier, happier lives for animals everywhere.

Every animal deserves a chance at a healthy, happy life, but sometimes getting the care they need requires more than just compassion. That’s where our Veterinary Aid program comes in. This program ensures that critical veterinary medical supplies reach animal welfare groups across the globe, empowering them to focus on what matters most: saving lives.

So far in 2025, we’ve shipped over $8 million worth of life-saving supplies to partners in need in countries including Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Panama, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Venezuela, Tanzania, Georgia, and St. Croix, as well as local partners right here in the United States. Whether it’s a remote clinic in Tanzania or an animal shelter impacted by the LA fires, our team ensures supplies get where they are needed most quickly.

The supplies we send are more than just boxes of medicine; they are tools that make a real difference. Broad-spectrum antibiotics help prevent infection in animals receiving life-changing care, while other pharmaceuticals, surgical supplies, and protective gear allow veterinarians to work safely and effectively. By providing these resources, we remove the burden of cost and logistics from our partners so they can focus entirely on saving and improving lives.

Every shipment tells a story of hope, resilience, and the power of global collaboration. The need keeps growing, and every day more animals and communities rely on these critical resources. We are committed to being there for them.

With your support, we can continue delivering the supplies, tools, and hope that make lifesaving care possible, no matter where it is needed.

October is one of our favorite months at SPCA International because it’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! All across the globe, countless amazing dogs are waiting in shelters, rescues, and foster homes for the perfect family to take them home. Every wagging tail, goofy smile, and soulful gaze reminds us just how special shelter dogs are and how much love they’re ready to give.

Adopting a shelter dog is about more than just gaining a loyal companion. It’s about saving a life. Shelters face severe overcrowding across the United States and in many countries worldwide. Sadly, this often means that innocent, healthy, and sometimes very young animals are at risk of euthanasia simply because there isn’t enough space. Choosing adoption opens up a kennel for another animal in need and gives a deserving dog a second chance at life.

The benefits of adopting a shelter dog go both ways. Not only are you giving a dog a forever home, but you’re also gaining a best friend. Shelter dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Whether you’re looking for an energetic hiking buddy or a snuggly couch companion, there’s a dog out there waiting just for you.

At SPCA International, we’re proud to support shelter partners worldwide who rescue, rehabilitate, and care for thousands of dogs every year. We’ve seen firsthand the joy that comes when a shelter dog finds their perfect match.

If you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family, we encourage you to visit our adoption page to see some incredible dogs waiting for homes. You can also reach out to your local shelter or rescue group. Your new best friend could be closer than you think.

This Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, let’s celebrate the amazing personalities, resilience, and unconditional love that shelter dogs bring into our lives. Together, we can make a difference, one adoption at a time.

Special occasions are meant to be celebrated—but why not make them even more meaningful? Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other milestone, you can turn your celebration into a lifesaving event for animals by creating a Facebook fundraiser for SPCA International. It’s easy, fun, and makes a real impact for animals in need. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Go to the Fundraisers Page

On your computer, visit facebook.com/fundraisers. On mobile, tap the three lines in the menu and select Fundraisers.

Step 2: Start a New Fundraiser

Click “Raise Money”, then choose “Nonprofit” as your cause. Type SPCA International into the search bar and select us from the list of nonprofits.

Step 3: Set Your Fundraiser Details

• Title: Make it personal and fun, like “Celebrating My Graduation by Helping Animals!”
  
• Goal Amount: Decide how much you want to raise. Every dollar counts!
  
• End Date: You can set it for the day of your celebration or a few days after to give friends time to donate.
  
• Story: Share why you love animals and why SPCA International is important to you. This is your chance to inspire friends to give.

Step 4: Personalize and Share

Add a cover photo (SPCA International has some great options you can use!) and share your fundraiser on your timeline, in groups, or through Messenger. Facebook will also remind friends about your fundraiser automatically, helping you reach more people.

Step 5: Track and Thank Your Supporters

Watch the donations roll in on your fundraiser page and be sure to thank your donors. A simple thank-you can go a long way and even encourage others to give.

THANK YOU

By celebrating your special moments with a Facebook fundraiser for SPCA International, you’re helping provide rescue, medical care, and a second chance at life for animals around the world. There’s no better way to mark your milestone than by giving animals a brighter future!

We are so grateful that you’re choosing to support SPCA International through your celebration. Your generosity and care make a real difference for animals in need, and we couldn’t do it without compassionate supporters like you.