Category: Feature Stories

Last month, we hosted an unforgettable evening in the heart of Manhattan: NYC Puppy Yoga, a joyful celebration of healing, community, and the powerful bond between humans and animals. The event marked a very special milestone—the expansion of our PAWsitive Recovery program into New York City, made possible through our exciting new partnership with Mountainside Treatment Center.

This partnership is rooted in compassion. At SPCA International, we know that one of the biggest barriers for people seeking treatment for addiction or mental health challenges is the question: “What will happen to my pet?” Our PAWsitive Recovery program exists to ease that burden by providing safe, loving foster care for the animals of individuals entering treatment. Thanks to this partnership with Mountainside, we can now grow our foster network in the tri-state area and help even more people take the first step toward recovery without leaving their beloved pets behind.

We hosted a puppy yoga class at Mountainside’s NYC location to celebrate this important expansion. It was an evening filled with smiles, movement, laughter, and tail wags! The class was led by our own Lori Kalef, Program Director at SPCA International, who brought her signature blend of warmth, humor, and dog-loving energy to the mat.

The real stars of the night were the adorable rescue dogs who joined us on the yoga floor. All of the pups were saved by our incredible partners at Korean K9 Rescue and served as cuddly reminders of how transformative the human-animal bond can be, especially for those in recovery, navigating mental health challenges, or escaping domestic violence. Their joyful energy reminded us all that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens with the help of others (and sometimes a few puppy kisses!).

The evening also featured raffles, prizes, and a sober yappy hour to close things out. Attendees sipped booze-free drinks, mingled with fellow animal lovers and recovery community members, and got more one-on-one time with the sweet pups.

We left the night feeling energized and hopeful, not only because the event was a success but also because we knew this was just the beginning. Together, we can build a future where more people feel empowered to get the help they need, knowing their pets will be safe and cared for.

If you want to support this life-changing work, there are so many ways to get involved:

• Donate to help sponsor the care of a pet in foster while their person gets back on their feet
• Sign up to become a foster for an animal whose owner is entering treatment
• Learn more about the PAWsitive Recovery program

Together, we can give more people and their beloved animals a new leash on life.

We’re thrilled to share that SPCA International is once again teaming up with our friends at the WeWard app to help animals and the people who love them.

This time around, we’re aiming to raise $5,000 for our PAWsitive Recovery program, which provides safe, loving foster care for the pets of people who are battling addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness, or escaping domestic violence. PAWsitive Recovery gives these individuals peace of mind, knowing their beloved pets are cared for while they focus on healing.

Want to help us reach our goal? It’s simple: just walk!

Download the WeWard app on the App Store or Google Play, and you’ll earn points for every step you take. Then, you can turn those points into a donation for SPCA International. Just by going about your day, you can make a life-changing impact for people and animals in crisis.

The last time we partnered with WeWard, our amazing community came together and made a real difference. Let’s do it again!

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, stretch your legs and save lives while you do it. Every step counts!

How WeWard Works

Helping animals in need through the WeWard app is easy and free. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Every Ward you donate will help positively change the lives of vulnerable individuals and the pets they love. There’s no better or easier way to give back, so don’t wait. Download the WeWard app today, start walking, and saving lives!

At SPCA International, we believe every animal deserves a chance at a loving home. That’s why we are thrilled to provide a grant to our dedicated shelter partner, Austin Pets Alive, to help address shelter overcrowding and low adoption rates.

Overcrowded shelters face immense challenges — one of the most heartbreaking being high euthanasia rates due to limited space and resources. But Austin Pets Alive is stepping up with an innovative solution, and we’re honored to support their efforts. With this grant, they will launch a test program in collaboration with three local Texas shelters, aiming to revolutionize the adoption process and create more successful, lasting matches between people and pets.

Austin Pets Alive has spent years researching how to improve adoption rates and reduce shelter populations. Their new program will equip shelter staff with specialized training to better match dogs with adopters, considering lifestyle, personality, and needs to ensure happy, long-term placements. This thoughtful approach will not only improve outcomes for animals but also enrich the lives of adopters.

Another critical aspect of the program is simplifying the adoption process. Currently, many potential adopters feel discouraged by lengthy, complicated procedures. By streamlining these processes and removing unnecessary barriers, this initiative will make it easier for people to bring home a furry friend — ultimately helping more dogs find the loving homes they deserve.

We are inspired by Austin Pets Alive’s commitment to saving lives and thrilled to be part of this transformative project. Our hope is that this test program’s success will pave the way for improved adoption operations nationwide, reducing overcrowding and giving countless dogs a second chance at happiness.

Together, we can make a difference — one adoption at a time.

Earlier this year, we asked for your help saving thousands of stray dogs in Tanzania, and you answered the call with incredible compassion.

Thanks to your generous donations, we launched a lifesaving vaccination campaign to protect 4,000 stray dogs at risk of being killed by local authorities in an effort to prevent a rabies outbreak. But instead of tragedy, something remarkable happened.

With the support of our dedicated local partners, we reached an agreement with government officials: if we could vaccinate the dogs, they would be allowed to live. That promise set this urgent mission in motion—and we’re thrilled to share that the team on the ground has been working tirelessly to make it a reality.

Despite heavy rains that have slowed progress, the team has already vaccinated thousands of dogs and is on track to reach the full 4,000 by June. Every single vaccination is a step closer to a safer, more compassionate future—not only for these dogs but also for the communities they live in.

We are incredibly grateful to our local partners in Tanzania, who have braved harsh conditions to gather, care for, and vaccinate each dog. Their dedication is inspiring, and their work is making a real difference.

And to our amazing supporters, you made this possible. You gave these dogs a second chance at life. Your kindness protects animals and people from the dangers of rabies while showing that humane solutions are not only possible but powerful.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you when dog number 4,000 receives their vaccine. Until then, thank you for standing with us and with the animals who need us most. Together, we are creating a world where compassion leads the way.

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.