The Pets for Life program of the Humane Society of the United States reaches out to underserved communities to provide free animal care resources and services to people and pets that have never received them. It aims to strengthen the human-animal bond and keep pets in homes rather than being abandoned. Many communities lack access to veterinary care, pet food, and supplies. By addressing these needs, PFL helps animals by empowering owners. It fills a gap in companion animal welfare by meeting people in their communities through outreach to offer services like training, supplies, vaccinations, and food with the goal of building more humane communities through cultural change.

1. Step by Step Pets for Life
The Pets for Life (PFL) program of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reaches out to under-served communities
to extend free animal care resources, services, and information to people and pets that have never received such before. PFL
allows for a full expression of the human-animal bond, provides veterinary and other general wellness care that would
otherwise not be an option, and keeps dogs and cats in their homes instead of abandoned on the street or relinquished to
shelters.
Just as many communities are food deserts where people do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, many are also
“animal care deserts” where there is a great love for pets but a lack of access to veterinary care, pet food and supplies, and
other much needed services. By addressing the critical lack of accessible, affordable pet care in specific communities, Pets for
Life helps animals by empowering the people who care for them.
PFL fills a void in the world of companion animal welfare. We go outside the shelter walls and meet people in their
communities through direct outreach - removing barriers and building trusting relationships that allow us the opportunity to
reach a new and often overlooked segment of pet owners. We’re there to provide free training when a dog is at risk of being
surrendered for behavior issues, or to supply a scratching post and litter box to help transition a cat indoors. We’re there to
offer free vaccinations, spay-and-neuter services, and free pet food. Sometimes, just being available to listen, provide a hug
for support, and let pet owners know we are there is all that is needed.
When we reach out to people where they live in a positive, understanding way, our efforts result in building more humane
communities - we are not just working to alter animals we are working to alter mindsets and cultural norms to create societal
shifts and long term, sustainable change.
Step 1: Community Assessment
Step 2: Understand Your Audience
Step 3: Community Outreach/Community Outreach Events
Step 4: Create a Community Presence
Step 5: How to Talk to People
Step 6: Follow-up Process
Step 7: Data Collection
For more detailed information please visit www.humanesociety.org/pfl-toolkit