AWI champions the mutually beneficial relationship between people and pets and promotes responsible care of companion animals. We seek strong legal protections for companion animals and develop tools and trainings to help law enforcement, social service providers, and other professionals address the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence—including resources for domestic violence survivors with companion animals.
According to the 2023–2024 National Pet Owners Survey, approximately two thirds of all US households include a companion animal. While the majority of pets are cats or dogs, millions of US households count other small mammals, birds, horses, and other animals as family members.
Pets not only provide love and affection—they also help keep us well. Recent studies have linked pet ownership to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, less incidence of heart disease, and lower overall health care costs. In short, companion animals make us happier and healthier. So, it is only fair to keep them safe, healthy, and happy too.
The welfare of people and their pets is inextricably linked. At times, the welfare of both is jeopardized by concerns such as homelessness or abuse. Sadly, some companion animals are victims of cruelty and neglect. If you witness animal abuse, here are some tips on how to safely report it. Law enforcement officials and social service agencies also have a reporting role to play. Animal abuse is also linked to interpersonal violence, as well as other criminal behaviors. Recognizing and addressing this link can lead to more efficient and effective intervention, which is why AWI is leading efforts to promote the collection and analysis of nationwide data on animal cruelty crimes.
AWI is also bringing awareness to the relationship between human and animal welfare through its Safe Havens for Pets project. The searchable Safe Havens for Pets directory lists sheltering services for pets of those experiencing domestic violence or homelessness and provides resources for professionals who are dedicated to protecting people and their pets.
Companion horses may fall victim to another sort of abuse, when they are purchased by “kill buyers” and transported under inhumane conditions to be callously slaughtered outside the country. Find out about AWI’s efforts to address the mistreatment of equines, both wild and domestic, and learn about our support for equine rescues via the Homes for Horses Coalition.
Birds are another popular pet, but the bird trade is poorly regulated—allowing for continued extraction from the wild—at a heavy cost to wild populations—and the prevalence of mass-breeding facilities that often house birds under cruel conditions, depriving them of enrichment and proper social interaction.
When acquiring a pet, consider the source and opt for adoption. Puppy mills and kitten mills churn out expensive purebreds while keeping their breeding animals confined in squalid conditions. Meanwhile, shelters and communities are overrun with homeless dogs and cats who deserve a good home. Rather than purchasing a bird from a pet store or private breeder, see if your local animal shelter or bird rescue has birds who need adopting, recognizing that some birds kept as pets can live a very long time and that you are equipped to meet a bird’s particular needs.
Whatever the species, it is important to attend to companion animal needs—in the community, in the home, and when we are away. We have to plan for their care when we travel—whether they stay behind with a pet sitter or come along. (There are particular issues to be aware of when taking pets on planes.) And when emergencies or natural disasters strike, most families will not want to leave their companion animals behind and unprotected. It is therefore important to take pets into account as part of the family’s emergency preparedness planning.
And remember: Private homes are ill-equipped to meet the instinctual needs of wild animals. The allure of exotic pets such as primates or big cats may be tempting, but even if bred in captivity, these animals are still wild in nature—and wild nature is where they belong. When kept as pets, the needs of these animals go unmet, and as they go from cute babies to full-grown (and potentially unmanageable) adults, many end up locked away in cages. After suffering years of such neglect, a fortunate few may end up in sanctuaries and have a better life. Overall, the trade in wild animals, be it for pets or otherwise, is notorious for its cruelty and negative effects on vulnerable species.