Ohio’s waterways just welcomed back some very unusual—and very important—residents. This summer, scientists and conservation partners released 116 juvenile eastern hellbenders into protected streams in eastern Ohio, marking another exciting step forward in the fight to save this threatened species.

What if you could help Ohio’s animals every time you buy groceries, without spending a single extra dollar? Good news: you can!

Through the Kroger Community Rewards® program, your everyday shopping automatically generates donations to Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) at no cost to you. That means more support for our mission to educate, advocate, and empower communities to protect animals across the Ohio , all by doing what you already do.

Ohio Animal Advocates is thrilled to welcome Lilah Foley to our Board of Directors. A longtime supporter of animal welfare and a former OAA intern, Lilah brings her policy expertise, deep community roots, and lifelong passion for helping animals to our leadership team.

In Wyandot County, compassion has a home — and it started in a garage.

Founded in 1985 by Dave and Lynda Balz, the Wyandot County Humane Society (WCHS) began as a simple effort to help stray and unwanted animals find safety and care. Forty years later, that small act of service has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that includes the HOPE (Helping Our Pets Everywhere) Clinic and the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, all working together to save lives of every species imaginable.

In Orange, Vermont, beavers have been given a chance to thrive thanks to an innovative flow device known as a “beaver deceiver.” Installed by Beaver Deceivers LLC and funded primarily by In Defense of Animals (IDA), the device allows beavers to remain in their natural habitat while also preventing flooding that can damage roads and culverts.

As the board president of OAA's governing board, Megan Moon is responsible for overseeing the board’s functions, ensuring that the nonprofit fulfills its mission, and supporting the executive director. In addition to her work with Ohio Animal Advocates, Megan serves her local community through her work with Waste-Free Dayton, Kettering Volunteer Advisory Council, NAMIWalks, and more.

Located in Marysville, Ohio, Sunrise Farm Sanctuary stands as a safe haven for farm animals once neglected, abused, or abandoned. Founded in 2001, the sanctuary has grown into a powerful voice for animal welfare thanks to the dedication of its founder, Mindy Mallett, and board members such as Sandy Horvath. Sandy has worked tirelessly to provide lifelong refuge to farmed and companion animals and wildlife, restoring their dignity and allowing them to live in peace.

In a powerful episode of The Animal Welfare Junction podcast, host Dr. Michelle Gonzalez takes listeners inside the 10th Anniversary celebration of My Dog is My Home and Found House Interfaith Housing Network—two organizations leading the way in supporting people experiencing homelessness with their beloved pets.