1. Adopt, Don’t Shop
Make adoption your first option this holiday season! Avoid buying animals from pet stores because most of those animals come from breeding facilities like puppy mills. Instead, search for local adoptable animals.

2.  Help Local Shelters
Help your local shelter by volunteering your time, raising awareness, or finding out what supplies they need. You can help raise awareness about the importance of adoption by entering the #HolidaysWithMyPet photo contest from the ASPCA in partnership with Cats Of Instagram and the Cute Pet Club. Find details here.

3. Have a More Humane Holiday Meal
If you eat meat, eggs, or dairy, look for certifications that require better treatment for animals on farms, specifically Certified Humane, Animal Welfare Approved, and GAP (Levels 2 and above). Visit ASPCA.org/labels to view a label guide and get useful tips and info on how to have a more humane holiday.

4. Host a Holiday Sweet Swap
Consider hosting a holiday bake sale at your office or with friends and family and donate the proceeds to help animals in need. Find out how to start your fundraiser at ASPCA.org/SweetSwap


5. Make a Difference Worldwide
Give a memorable gift and protect animals around the world! World Animal Protection’s World Animal Gifts work to end the needless suffering of all kinds of animals. Choose the type of gift you’d like—you can provide necessary medicine and vaccinations for street cats, for example, or feed hungry bears—then personalize an e-card announcing your gift, and you’re done! A great way to help exotic cats in need is to support Big Cat Rescue, one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats.