Humane Policy Toolkit

Policies that promote human and animal well-being play an important role in building humane communities.

Thoughtful laws can protect public health and safety while supporting the bond between people and their pets. At the state and local level, policymakers have the opportunity to set clear expectations for animal care, address gaps in access to services, and support programs that help families keep and care for their pets.

Effective policy works best when paired with community resources. Many challenges facing pets and their families are connected to broader issues such as limited access to veterinary care, housing barriers or financial hardship. Approaches that prioritize prevention, access to services and practical enforcement can lead to better outcomes for both animals and people.

With millions of companion animals living in American households, pets are an integral part of our communities. While every community faces different needs, successful policies are typically feasible, enforceable, clearly written, supportive rather than punitive, and designed to address real challenges.

Check out our Humane Policy Toolkit, which can be downloaded for free below, or purchase a print copy on the HumanePro store.

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