American Humane Society Celebrates Be Kind to Animals Week

PALM BEACH, FL – This week, American Humane Society will celebrate the 110th “Be Kind to Animals Week,” which was created by the organization in 1915.

Since its inception, “Be Kind to Animals Week” has inspired generations to advocate for animals and treat them with compassion. What began during the hardships of World War I has grown into the longest-running commemorative week in U.S. history.

"When we open young hearts to the needs of animals, we sow the seeds of a more compassionate world,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “Be Kind to Animals Week is more than a tradition — it’s a movement of love, empathy, and hope for every living creature.”

This year, it will run from May 4 through May 10. To help celebrate, American Humane Society has put together a “Seven Days of Kindness” schedule that lays out how animal lovers can participate on each day of the week.

Ideas include:

• Sunday (May 4): Begin the week with one small act of kindness for animals. Simple actions can make a big difference. That could include refilling a bird bath, picking up litter during a walk, or sharing an animal adoption post on social media. See other ideas here.
• Monday (May 5): Support shelters and rescues that provide lifesaving care for animals who’ve been victims of cruelty or neglect. Supporting an American Humane Society Second Chance Grant is one opportunity to help animals in need. Learn more here.
• Tuesday (May 6): Make compassion a part of your lifestyle by choosing products and services that are American Humane Certified™, supporting animal welfare, people and the planet. Look for American Humane Society certifications at supermarkets, at zoos and aquariums, or while watching a movie. Learn more here.
• Wednesday (May 7): Discover simple ways to provide responsible and compassionate care for your pets—helping the animals in your home stay healthy, happy and loved. Building a pet disaster preparedness kit in case of tornados, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires is one example. See more ideas here.
• Thursday (May 8): Take action to safeguard wild animals and their natural habitats. Watch our latest film, Escape from Extinction Rewilding, to learn how cutting-edge techniques are helping to restore ecosystems.
• Friday (May 9): Celebrate the human-animal bond by honoring the inspiring stories of Hero Dogs and animals who change lives. Meet the winners of the 14th Annual Hero Dog Awards here.
• Saturday (May 10): Be a voice for the voiceless. Speak up through advocacy and community involvement. Call your elected leaders in Congress to show support for humane legislation that protects animals, or volunteer at a local pet shelter. See more ideas here.

For more information on American Humane Society’s programs and how to support these lifesaving efforts, visit AmericanHumane.org.