American Humane Society Celebrates ‘Be Kind to Animals Week' on May 3-9

PALM BEACH, FL – One of the clearest reflections of the human spirit is the compassion we show toward others, especially animals. From May 3–9, American Humane Society will celebrate the 111th annual “Be Kind to Animals Week,” a nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting kindness, education and meaningful action on behalf of animals everywhere.

Since its founding in 1915, “Be Kind to Animals Week” has inspired generations to advocate for the humane treatment of animals. What began during the challenges of World War I has evolved into the longest-running commemorative week in U.S. history.

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“When we open young hearts to the needs of animals, we don’t just inspire kindness, we help shape a future where compassion leads the way,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “Be Kind to Animals Week is more than a tradition; it’s a heartfelt call to action. Together, we have the power, and the responsibility, to create a safer, more loving world for every living creature, starting now.”

To help celebrate, American Humane Society has created a “Seven Days of Kindness” schedule offering simple, meaningful ways for animal lovers to get involved each day:

Sunday (May 3): Kick off the week with a small act of kindness. Simple gestures, like refilling a bird bath, picking up litter during a walk, or sharing an animal adoption post, can make a meaningful difference. See other ideas here.

Monday (May 4): Support shelters and rescues that provide lifesaving care for animals who have suffered cruelty or neglect. Contributing to an American Humane Society Second Chance Grant is one impactful way to help. Learn more here.

Tuesday (May 5): Make compassion part of your everyday choices by supporting products and services that are American Humane Certified™, helping protect animal welfare, people, and the planet. Look for certifications at grocery stores, zoos, aquariums, and even in film and television. Learn more here.

Wednesday (May 6): Explore ways to provide responsible, compassionate care for your pets. For example, create a pet disaster preparedness kit for emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. See more ideas here.

Thursday (May 7): Take action to safeguard wildlife and their natural habitats. Watch Escape from Extinction Rewilding to learn how innovative conservation efforts are helping restore ecosystems.

Friday (May 8): Celebrate the human-animal bond by honoring inspiring stories of Hero Dogs and other remarkable animals that change lives. Meet the winners of the 15^th Annual Hero Dog Awards here.

Saturday (May 9): Be a voice for the voiceless. Advocate for animals by contacting your elected officials to support humane legislation or by volunteering at a local shelter. See more ideas here.

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

About American Humane Society
With offices in Palm Beach, FL and Washington, D.C., American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.