A new grant initiative from the ASPCA is shining a spotlight on an issue that animal welfare professionals have long recognized: increasing access to spay/neuter services is essential to reducing shelter overcrowding and improving outcomes for animals.

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.

From community cats to equines, wildlife protection to anti-cruelty advocacy, Ohio Animal Advocates works every day to create a more humane future for animals across our state. During OAA Giving Week, May 25th to May 29th, supporters have the opportunity to directly fuel that work and make an even bigger impact for Ohio’s animals.

That means every donation goes even further to support advocacy, education, collaboration, and lifesaving programs throughout Ohio.

As conversations around climate change continue to grow, many people are reevaluating the impact of their daily choices, from transportation to fashion to the food they eat. Increasingly, that conversation also includes what we feed our companion animals.

A recent article published by Ohio Animal Foundation, explored the rise of sustainable pet food options, highlighting alternatives like insect-based proteins, responsibly sourced fish, regional ingredients, and upcycled food products. The article sparked an important conversation about how the products we purchase for our pets can also impact the environment, agriculture systems, and animal welfare on a larger scale.

An incident involving a community cat in Huber Heights, Ohio, is drawing national attention and raising serious concerns among animal advocates about humane response protocols, accountability, and the treatment of free-roaming cats.

According to reports, on April 23, a Huber Heights police officer shot an orange tabby cat after responding to a call about an animal allegedly suspected of having rabies. The officer’s report stated the cat appeared injured, was limping, and had white foam coming from its mouth. The officer then used his service weapon to shoot the cat twice.

For years, a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) felt like a death sentence for cat caregivers and veterinarians alike. Shelters, rescues, foster homes, and cat owners across the country experienced the heartbreak of losing kittens and cats to a disease that once had no effective treatment. Today, that reality is changing.

In a recent episode of the Community Cats Central, renowned pet journalist and feline advocate Steve Dale shared a message that brought veterinarians around the world to tears:

“I’m announcing that FIP is no longer considered fatal.”