Category: Feature Stories

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.

September is Recovery Month, a time to honor the courage of people working to overcome addiction and to show why reducing stigma is so important. Addiction can affect anyone, and it’s more common than many people realize. In fact, nearly 17% of people in the United States struggle with it each year. Many of these individuals have pets, and not having someone to care for their animals while they get help can make it much harder for them to get the treatment they need.

We support people in recovery by providing safe, loving care for their pets, removing one of the biggest obstacles to treatment. By keeping animals out of overcrowded shelters and in the care of dedicated fosters, we’re not only saving lives, we’re also helping people stay motivated and grounded during recovery.

Since its launch, PAWsitive Recovery has helped 177 families and 221 pets, offering support that makes recovery achievable and sustainable. Over the past year, our program has grown a lot, thanks to our amazing volunteers who help with transport, outreach, and intake, and to our fosters who care for the animals with love and attention. With their help, we can continue reaching more families in need.

One story that shows the heart of PAWsitive Recovery is that of Andrea and her shy dog, Kaia. Andrea was quietly battling cirrhosis of the liver while focusing on recovery — not just for herself, but for Kaia. She worried about whether her dog would be safe if she couldn’t care for her. Our team reassured her: “Yes. We’ll make sure she’s safe.” That reassurance gave Andrea the strength to attend appointments, secure housing, and keep moving forward with her recovery. Today, Andrea and Kaia live together, stable and hopeful, walking their journey side by side.

Our program is led by Serena Saunders, who is in recovery herself and knows firsthand the challenges of addiction, the healing power of pets, and the importance of removing barriers to treatment. Her compassion and insight guide our work every day, making sure both people and pets get the support they need to thrive.

PAWsitive Recovery isn’t just about helping individuals, it’s about transforming lives. By supporting people in recovery and caring for their pets, we’re building healthier, safer, and happier communities, one family at a time. This Recovery Month, we celebrate the journeys of people in recovery, the animals they love, and the volunteers and donors who make this lifesaving work possible.

At SPCA International, we know that even the smallest steps can lead to big change, and thanks to our incredible partnership with the WeWard App, that change has been life-saving for both people and pets in need.

What is WeWard?

WeWard is a mobile app that tracks your steps and turns them into points, which users can redeem for donations to causes they care about. By simply walking, running errands, or enjoying a stroll through the park with their pet, WeWard users can make a real difference. And recently, they did exactly that—raising an amazing $5,000 for our PAWsitive Recovery program.

PAWsitive Recovery

Our PAWsitive Recovery program supports people facing addiction, mental health struggles, and escaping domestic violence, by providing loving foster homes for their pets while they focus on healing. Our program removes the heartbreaking choice between getting help and keeping a beloved animal, ensuring families can be reunited once their human is back on their feet.

Through PAWsitive Recovery we have been able to help hundreds of individuals and their pets. One of those wonderful animals is Babygirl, a sweet dog with a big heart and an unshakable bond with her owner. Babygirl’s person has faced unimaginable challenges. She survived abuse, battled substance use disorder, and fought serious illness. Through it all, Babygirl was a constant source of comfort, love, and hope.

When her owner made the courageous decision to enter treatment and rebuild her life, she turned to us to ensure Babygirl would be safe and cared for. Thanks to the support of donors and the funds raised through WeWard, we were able to place Babygirl in a loving foster home, giving her owner the peace of mind she needed to focus fully on recovery.

Today, we are thrilled to share that Babygirl’s owner has successfully completed treatment, is making incredible strides, and is reunited with her beloved companion. Together, they’re stepping into a new chapter filled with hope and happiness.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to WeWard and every single person who walked, ran, and moved for a cause. Your steps have directly helped people and pets stay together, even through the toughest times. We are so grateful for your compassion and commitment. We can’t wait to see how many more lives we can change, one step at a time.

Want to turn you steps into a life-saving donation? Download the WeWard App today! 

Already have the WeWard App and want to donate your points to our PAWsitive Recovery program? Join our PAWstive Recovery community and enter the code “PAWSITIVE”.

When U.S. servicemembers and military contractors deploy overseas, they often find themselves in unfamiliar places far from home, facing long days and difficult challenges. But sometimes, in the middle of the hardest moments, a lifeline appears, often in the form of a small, hungry cat or a scared, abandoned puppy.

But while these bonds grow strong overseas, bringing animals home isn’t simple. Military rules don’t allow soldiers to transport rescued animals back to the U.S. on their own, leaving many heartbroken at the thought of saying goodbye. Without help, these beloved companions would be left behind, facing uncertain and often dangerous futures. That’s why our Patriot Pets program exists, to step in when servicemembers can’t, and to make sure no soldier has to abandon the dog or cat who stood by their side.

Recently, we’ve celebrated several heartwarming reunions:

Gucci

When a military contractor first spotted Gucci, an adorable Persian cat, she was heartbreakingly thin, meowing for scraps of food. The contractor began feeding her, and before long, the two were inseparable. Gucci followed him everywhere, showering him with affection and reminding him he wasn’t alone.

But when the contractor’s deployment ended, the thought of leaving Gucci behind was unbearable. That’s when he turned to us. Earlier this month, Gucci landed safely in Florida, and was welcomed with open arm’s by the contractor’s wife who fell in love with Gucci immediately. Today, Gucci is thriving, playful as ever, and finally home where she belongs.

Louis

This friendly cat showed up outside the office of a Navy Lieutenant stationed in the Middle East. Day after day, Louis was there, greeting him and his team with purrs and head rubs. Soon, he was more than just a visitor; he was family.

As the Lieutenant’s deployment neared its end, one fear kept him awake at night: what would happen to Louis if he had to leave him behind? With help from our Patriot Pets program, he didn’t have to. Just days ago, Louis landed in the U.S., and he’s already made himself at home alongside his hero. We can’t wait to watch their story continue together. 

Maple & Ziggy

Some rescues are harder to imagine. Ziggy was just a tiny puppy when he was found on the roadside, barbed wire cruelly wrapped around his neck. He was alone, frightened, and in desperate need of care. Maple, another pup in the same region, also faced an uncertain future.

A kind Army Lieutenant stepped up, opening his heart to both dogs and taking them in to ensure they had the safe, loving lives they deserved. Thanks to our team and the support of donors, Maple and Ziggy have now made it home safely and are enjoying their new lives in the United States.

Thank You For Making Reunions Possible

Behind every joyful reunion is a complex journey: vaccinations and medical testing to ensure the animals are healthy, permits and paperwork that allow them to travel across borders, international flights spanning thousands of miles, and finally, domestic transport to bring them straight into the arms of the people who love them most. Each step is worth it, because these animals aren’t just pets. They’re family.

But these reunions don’t happen on their own. They’re only possible because of the compassion and generosity of people like you. From the medical care to the flights, every step is funded by donations that make sure no soldier has to say goodbye to their best friend.

Help us keep these reunions happening. Donate today to support Patriot Pets.

At SPCA International, we believe that lasting change starts with education, and we’re proud to support shelter partners who share that belief. SOS Galgos, one of our partners in Spain, has made education a cornerstone of its mission to end animal cruelty.

Recently, SOS Galgos hosted a special workshop for bright and curious kids, ages 11 and 12, to teach them about kindness, compassion, and caring for animals. The students were all smiles, eager to learn, ask questions, and share their own stories about animals they love. They left not only with more knowledge but also with a deeper understanding of the responsibility we all have to treat animals with respect and compassion.

It’s easy to see why education plays a vital role in animal welfare. When children grow up learning to value and care for animals, they become adults who help create a more humane world. By engaging young minds early, SOS Galgos is helping build a future where animal cruelty is unacceptable and unthinkable.

Of course, their educational work is just one piece of their incredible efforts. For more than 20 years, SOS Galgos has been on the frontlines defending galgos, gentle Spanish hunting dogs often abandoned or abused after hunting season. Through tireless rescue, recovery, and adoption work, they’ve changed the lives of more than 3,000 galgos, giving them the love and safety they’ve always deserved.

Their team works with compassion and persistence every single day to give these dogs the second chance they never thought they’d have. And thanks to their education programs, they’re also ensuring that future generations in Spain grow up knowing that all animals deserve to live free from cruelty and full of love.

We at SPCA International are incredibly proud to support SOS Galgos and to call them our partner. Their work saves lives, changes hearts, and makes the world a kinder place for animals.

Back in May, we introduced you to Shmelly, a sweet senior cat who formed an unbreakable bond with U.S. Army Sergeant Alyssa while she was deployed in the Middle East. During one of the hardest chapters in Alyssa’s life, Shmelly brought her comfort, companionship, and a sense of peace in the middle of chaos.

As Alyssa’s deployment neared its end, she faced an impossible reality: military regulations wouldn’t allow her to bring Shmelly home on her flight. The idea of leaving Shmelly behind was heartbreaking, but thanks to you, that didn’t happen.

We took Shmelly into our care and, after completing the necessary paperwork and medical care, were able to transport her to the United States. Last month, she arrived at JFK Airport, where our team excitedly waited to welcome her. From there, she made her way to her final destination, North Dakota, where Sergeant Alyssa’s family greeted her with open arms and full hearts.

Shmelly made herself at home, patiently waiting for Sergeant Alyssa’s deployment to end. And just a couple of weeks ago, the two were finally reunited. Sergeant Alyssa couldn’t be happier to be able to hold her best friend again and is excited for what their future together will look like. 

Thank you again for making this rescue possible. It is because of your support that we are able to help  brave US soldiers and the incredible animals they love so much.