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Four Ohio Shelters Receive Grants to Keep Pets and Families Together
When survivors of domestic violence or individuals experiencing homelessness are forced to flee unsafe or unstable conditions, they often face a heartbreaking choice: seek safety, or stay with their beloved pets. For many, that bond is too strong to break — and unfortunately, many shelters aren't equipped to house animals alongside people. But that’s changing, thanks to lifesaving initiatives like RedRover’s Safe Housing program.
Navigating Pet Loss: Support, Healing, and Honoring the Bond
Losing a pet is never easy. Whether they were by your side for one year or fifteen, their absence leaves an undeniable void. Pets are family — companions, protectors, best friends, and for many, a source of unconditional love. Grief after the death of a beloved animal is natural and deeply personal, and there's no "right" way to process that pain.
500 Cats Fixed in a Single Day
On a bustling Saturday in Gainesville, Florida, the team at Operation Catnip pulled off an extraordinary feat: spaying and neutering 500 cats in a single day. The high-volume clinic, hosted at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, marked a major milestone—100,000 community cats fixed since the organization’s founding in 1998.
Beavers in Ohio are Gnawing Their Way Back
Once nearly wiped out from Ohio due to overtrapping in the 1800s, beavers are now reclaiming their role as essential architects of the state’s ecosystems. Known for their iconic dams and industrious nature, these resilient rodents are making a “dam” impressive comeback—and the environment is better for it.
OAA Earns Candid Gold Seal of Transparency
We’re thrilled to announce that Ohio Animal Advocates has been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid (formerly GuideStar)! This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to openness, accountability, and trust—and it’s a testament to YOU, our incredible community of supporters.
Bald Eagles Soar in Ohio: 964 Nests and Counting
The bald eagle—America’s national bird and a symbol of strength and resilience—is thriving in the Buckeye State. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), there are now 964 confirmed active bald eagle nests across 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties, marking a 36% increase since the last statewide census in 2020.
Announcing Our Newest Advocacy Page: Equines
We are excited to announce our new policy area on equines! Ohio Animal Advocates is dedicated to championing a higher standard of well-being for all equines. Our equine advocacy page aims to educate Ohioans on some of the most prevalent issues facing horses and other equines, including horse racing, soring and performance-enhancing drugs, horse slaughter, wild horse helicopter round-ups, and horse-drawn carriages. Read more about these topics here!
Animal Cruelty on the Rise: Help Us Help Them
It seems every month we hear about horrific cruelty to animals in the media in Ohio this year. From an ESA cat freezing to death on Summit Lake to more than a hundred farm animals being hoarded by a veterinarian in Sandusky, animal cruelty must be stopped.
Victory for Beagles: NIH’s Final Dog Testing Lab Shut Down After WCW Campaign
A major milestone in the fight against government-funded animal testing was achieved this month as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially shut down its last in-house dog lab. The closure comes after nearly a decade of relentless advocacy from White Coat Waste Project (WCW), a watchdog organization known for exposing and challenging taxpayer-funded animal experiments.
Shelley Lieberman: Turning Compassion into Action for Animals and People
Shelley Lieberman has built a life around a simple but powerful idea: when you care deeply about something, that’s where your work should begin. That mindset has guided her journey as a passionate advocate for both animals and the people who love them. As a longtime board member of Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA), Shelley has helped lead efforts that connect the dots between animal welfare, domestic violence, and homelessness.
Creating an Impact: A Conversation with Jill Herbst of OAF
Jill Herbst, a founding board member of the Ohio Animal Foundation (OAF), has been deeply involved in advancing animal welfare in Ohio since the organization’s early beginnings in 2016. From shaping the foundation’s strategic vision to authoring educational content and coordinating outreach, Herbst has played a central role in OAF’s development.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela