A veterinary emergency can happen when you least expect it, and the cost of care can quickly become overwhelming. If you're struggling to afford emergency treatment for your pet, financial assistance may be available. Ohio Animal Advocates has compiled a list of nonprofit organizations that offer emergency veterinary expense grants.

When advocating for affordable spay/neuter programs, compassion matters, but so do the numbers. Our partners at United Spay Alliance have released The Financial Case for Spay/Neuter: A Guide for Advocates, a free resource designed to help advocates demonstrate how investing in prevention can save local governments money while reducing pet overpopulation.

Veterinary care has become significantly more expensive over the past decade, with costs rising much faster than overall inflation. While advances in veterinary medicine, staffing shortages, and higher operating costs all play a role, another factor is receiving increased attention: the growing number of veterinary practices owned by private equity firms and large corporations.

Apply for funding through the Community Cats Grants program, brought to you by our partners at United Spay Alliance. The Fall/Winter application deadline is August 31st. These matching grants are designed to help grassroots trap-neuter-return (TNR) organizations, rescue groups, and low-cost spay/neuter providers strengthen their fundraising efforts.

Building a successful community cat program takes more than good intentions. It requires strategic planning, community partnerships, volunteer leadership, sustainable funding, and a strong understanding of humane population management. Community Cats Central is offering an eight-week online professional development course designed for anyone committed to improving outcomes for community cats.

Animal shelters across the country are continually seeking effective, humane ways to help cats while making the best use of limited resources. A newly updated Return-to-Field Handbook from Humane World for Animals, Neighborhood Cats, and Alley Cat Advocates provides a comprehensive roadmap for shelters looking to improve outcomes for community cats through return-to-field programs.

Animal lovers across Ohio have a chance to show off their favorite pets while supporting programs that help animals throughout the state. Ohio Animal Foundation has launched its 2026 Celebrating Life with Animals Photo Contest annual fundraiser that combines adorable pet photos with meaningful support for animal welfare initiatives. The contest is open now, with voting through July 31, 2026.

The ASPCA has announced that it will award up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics serving vulnerable animals throughout the United States. The funding is intended to help organizations address some of the most pressing challenges facing animal welfare today, including shelter capacity needs and the ongoing shortage of accessible spay/neuter services.

Ohio Animal Advocates is fortunate to have dedicated supporters who contribute not only their expertise, but also their time, passion, and generosity. One of those supporters is Deb Molinaro, OAA's Chief Financial Officer. Since joining the organization in early 2024, Deb has helped guide OAA's financial operations while also supporting the organization's mission through personal donations and volunteer service. We recently sat down with Deb to learn more about her missionary work in Peru, her commitment to animal advocacy, and the beloved dog who inspired her passion for helping animals.

Community cats are a part of many neighborhoods, and while some people enjoy seeing them stroll through the yard, others may be less enthusiastic. One of the most common complaints about free-roaming cats is their tendency to dig in gardens, lounge in flower beds, or use outdoor spaces as litter boxes.

A recent policy shift from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created confusion and concern for many people who rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) as part of their disability accommodations.

While HUD has announced changes to how it handles certain ESA-related complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is important to understand that state and local protections for people with disabilities and emotional support animals may still remain fully intact.

Vaccines have become one of the most emotionally charged public health conversations of the past decade. What was once primarily a debate surrounding human medicine has now spilled into the world of companion animals and according to recent research, the consequences could be devastating for both dogs and people.

In a recent article titled “Vaccine Hesitancy Now Affects Dogs, Putting Humans at Risk,” psychologist and canine researcher Stanley Coren explores the growing number of pet owners choosing not to vaccinate their dogs. The article cites studies showing that approximately 22 percent of dog owners in the United States are now considered vaccine hesitant.