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Frequently Asked QuestionsRefer to the index of topics below for American Humane's answers to common questions. If you need further information, explore the program areas to the right or contact us. No Animals Were Harmed® - Film & TV Unit Topics
Other American Humane Topics
Apes in filmed mediaWhat is your position on the use of apes in filmed media?Upon reviewing the script, if American Humane believes there to be any potentially risky animal action, we will strongly encourage the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), animatronics or fake animal doubles to minimize possible injury to the animal. American Humane urges productions to consider the following issues before deciding to use primates in any filmed media production. Impact on primate socialization due to the separation of infant primates from their mothers:
Retirement planning for performing apes:
Certified Animal Safety RepresentativesHow do film monitors become “certified”?Experienced trainers, veterinary technicians, and other animal care and control professionals apply to American Humane’s Film & Television Unit to become Certified Animal Safety Representatives. Once accepted, they receive extensive classroom instruction and field training to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media and to learn how to ensure that productions adhere to those standards. Film guidelinesWho develops the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media?Creating new guidelines and revising existing ones is an intensive process. Before a proposed change can be adopted and incorporated into our Guidelines, it is crafted in consultation with a committee of experts that includes animal behaviorists, scientists, veterinarians, primatologists, horse experts, animal trainers and other authorities on animal welfare. Once drafted, it must be reviewed and approved by a separate panel of experts and American Humane’s board of directors. Film monitoringA lot of movies are listed on your website. How many productions does your organization monitor?American Humane’s Film & Television Unit monitors a yearly average of more than 1,000 productions, which include motion pictures, TV shows, music videos, and commercials. How long has your organization been monitoring films?American Humane has been overseeing the welfare of animal actors since 1940. To shoot a dramatic scene for the 1939 movie Jesse James, a stunt rider and his horse were sent over a 70-foot cliff into a raging river. The rider lost his hat, but the horse lost its life. As a result, American Humane led a massive protest against Jesse James and opened a western regional office in Hollywood to more vocally advocate on behalf of animals used in film. We were granted access to movie sets under the Hays Office, which established, among other protocol, a code of animal welfare standards for the film industry. We continued that work until 1966, when the Hays Office was disbanded for its strict codes that amounted to censorship. For a time, that also ended our official jurisdiction to protect animals in filmed entertainment -- to the detriment of countless animals. Some conscientious filmmakers continued to welcome us on set; however, that was the exception rather than the rule, and American Humane was often banned from movie productions. Animal abuse on the set and inhumane techniques for obtaining certain behaviors -- such as the use of trip wires on horses -- were rampant until 1980. Such egregious treatment culminated that year with the filming of Heaven’s Gate, which made it apparent to both the industry and the moviegoing public that our monitoring oversight was essential to ensure the safety of animals. American Humane was granted formal on-set jurisdiction in 1980 through a codified agreement with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Film not monitoredWhat can I do if a film is “Not Monitored” by American Humane and does not feature the “No Animals Were Harmed”® End Credit Disclaimer?The “Not Monitored” rating means that the production did not seek monitoring oversight from American Humane's Certified Animal Safety Representatives during filming. Therefore, we cannot attest to the treatment of the animal actors nor know whether the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media were followed. Because the film industry is vast, American Humane needs public support to better protect animals used in entertainment. You can help make sure our Certified Animal Safety Representatives are there to monitor animal action in future films by:
FlickaDid American Humane monitor the filming of Flicka?Yes. Four Certified Animal Safety Representatives monitored the filming of Flicka, and American Humane deeply regrets the death of two horses that occurred on the set. With the full cooperation of the production company and 20th Century Fox, American Humane conducted investigations into these tragedies and found that both deaths were unpreventable accidents. The City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services (LA Animal Services) conducted its own investigation into the incident at Hansen Dam and concurred with American Humane's findings. In neither instance did the filmmakers or the animal trainers fail to comply with American Humane's Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. What happened to the horses?On April 11, 2005, at Big Sky Ranch in Simi Valley, Calif., a horse sustained a compound fracture in its right rear tibia after a misstep during a well-rehearsed “point A-to-B” running scene. The veterinarian on the set -- a specialist in equine medicine -- identified the injury as very rare and of such severity that euthanasia was the most humane option. News media at the time inaccurately reported that the injury had occurred after the horse stepped into a hole. American Humane’s Certified Animal Safety Representatives observed rehearsals and clearly found that no holes or dangerous debris were present in the horse’s path. Based on the professional judgment of the attending veterinarian, our investigation concluded that this death was accidental and could not have been predicted or prevented. On April 25, 2005, at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in San Fernando Valley, Calif., a horse tripped on its regulation length 13-foot lead rope and fell to the ground, breaking its neck. This scene was performed with four horses, 12 professional cowboys, and four pickup riders in a controlled environment under the supervision of four American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representatives. While performing the scripted action of the scene, the horse got loose from the cowboy who was holding its lead rope. At liberty for less than 20 seconds, the horse suddenly changed direction and took the ultimately fatal step on the rope. LA Animal Services investigators, called in by the production company as required by law, concluded that the horse died of a broken neck and death was most likely instantaneous. I heard that the rope was 30-feet long and that’s why the horse tripped. Is that true?No. The lead rope was 13-feet long, a standard length. I read that the horses were wild mustangs, not trained for this type of production. I also read that horses were mistreated on the set. Are these claims true?No. The four horses involved in this sequence, as well as the four that had performed in a prior take without incident, were not “wild mustangs," as erroneously reported in some news reports. All of these animals were domestically bred bronc horses accustomed to humans and the use of leads, and they often perform in rodeos across the country. At no time was any animal abused. The horses involved in the day’s filming of this scene were returned to their home in Montana. Will Flicka receive American Humane’s End Credit Disclaimer?American Humane awards the “No Animals Were Harmed”® End Credit Disclaimer for monitored productions that meet all requirements and precautions stipulated by the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. Although these were both unforeseeable and unfortunate accidents, the “No Animals Were Harmed”® End Credit obviously cannot be given when an animal actor is fatally injured during production. The statement appearing in credits of Flicka reads: “American Humane monitored the animal action.” This statement acknowledges our involvement on the set and encourages the public to visit our website for the complete film review and explanation of the anomaly. How will American Humane make sure this doesn’t happen again?American Humane carefully considers potential animal safety issues in each revision to our Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. In our more than 65 years of oversight for the film and television industry, countless animal injuries and deaths have been prevented by our presence on the set. Sadly, accidents do happen, but as long as animals continue to be used in film and television entertainment, American Humane will continue to monitor their treatment. Funding for film monitoringHow is the work to protect animals in film funded?Donations from American Humane’s members help support the work of our Film & Television Unit, but the bulk of the funding comes from a grant awarded to us by the Industry Advancement and Cooperative Fund (IACF). Contributing to the fund is part of a producer’s obligation to the union for film actors -- the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) -- when working under the SAG/Producers contract. The fund is part of the health and pension plan and administered by trustees from both SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Every year, American Humane submits a grant request to the IACF board to renew its contract. The IACF supports many initiatives that deal with member health and safety issues. American Humane serves as the animals' safety representative, recognizing that the safety of animals achieves, among other things, greater safety for the human actors who interact with them. Since the movie producers are contributing to the fund, and the American Humane Association is monitoring the movies, is there a conflict of interest?No. Although SAG members contribute to the IACF, they do not control it. The IACF is guided by its own board of directors -- not by SAG members or the SAG organization -- and American Humane’s Film & TV Unit reports directly to the IACF. A similar example is that you, as a citizen, pay taxes to the federal and local governments, and a portion of your taxes funds law enforcement. But, if an officer pulls you over for speeding, you can’t get out of paying your ticket just because you pay part of his or her salary. incidents during filmingIf there is a report of animal cruelty on a production, who is responsible for investigating?American Humane’s Certified Animal Safety Representatives will report any suspected abuse and animal cruelty during filming to local law enforcement and will cooperate fully in any investigation that ensues. Several Certified Animal Safety Representatives are also certified State Humane Officers in California and Virginia. However, if formal charges are filed, that is done by local law enforcement. If an animal gets injured or dies on the set, who is responsible for filing a report with law enforcement?The production company is responsible for reporting the incident. American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representatives will also submit a report. "No Animals Were Harmed"®Why do I see the American Humane Association’s end credit on some movies and not on others?The “No Animals Were Harmed”® End Credit Disclaimer is awarded only to productions that were monitored by American Humane’s Certified Animal Safety Representatives and which meet or exceed the strict standards laid out in our Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. American Humane’s Film & Television Unit operates under a contract with the Industry Advancement and Cooperative Fund (IACF), which covers all domestically produced Screen Actors Guild (SAG) productions. Independent, non-union movies; foreign films; and SAG productions filmed abroad fall outside our jurisdiction, and we only monitor them if contracted specifically by the production company. The increase in “runaway productions” (American film production done overseas) is of particular concern because animals in filmed entertainment abroad lose out on the protections and safety monitoring that we can provide in the United States. Click here to find out whether a movie was monitored by the American Humane Association and what rating it received. I’ve seen the American Humane’s “seal of approval” on movies with scenes that seem to convey an attitude that “cruelty to animals is okay.” How can a humane organization condone a message of animal cruelty?The purpose of American Humane’s film and TV monitoring is to safeguard animals on-set, regardless of whether the scene being portrayed conveys an animal-friendly message. The objective of our monitoring work is the welfare of the live animals used in film production, and to that end, we refrain from commenting on content. If we refused to monitor a film because we did not agree with its message, we would risk there being no protection at all for the animals involved. I’ve seen movies that contain extremely violent scenes with animals, such as battles where horses are falling, or dogfights. But then at the end, there’s American Humane’s “No Animals Were Harmed”® statement. How is that possible?Filming techniques, controlled stunts, special effects and post-production editing can make complicated battle scenes appear realistic without injuring animals or human performers. The movie The Last Samurai, for example, enacted extensive battle scenes involving more than 60 horses without injuring a single one. Animals used in filmed entertainment are well-trained to perform specific stunts (such as falling down on cue), and the rest of the illusion is created by the filmmakers. Despite the realism of modern films, almost every scene in today’s movies is a portrayal of an event, not a filming of the actual event. Under our Guidelines, for example, filmmakers would not be allowed to hold an actual dogfight. What species do you protect on-set?American Humane’s Certified Animal Safety Representatives are on-set to safeguard all creatures -- from ants to zebras. Bonsai kittensI’ve heard of “Bonsai Kittens.” Is this a hoax?American Humane is aware of the "Bonsai kitten" website, which proposes, as a form of entertainment, the intentional disfigurement of kittens. The website proposes that kittens can be placed in jars, provided with tubes for breathing and elimination, and kept alive to grow into the shape of the jar. These "Bonsai Kittens" would then presumably be kept as a novelty. Although American Humane has strong reasons to believe this website is a hoax, we feel it may inspire acts of animal cruelty. Further, the language and graphic photos on the site could lead to attempts to replicate this stunt. The best action to take in opposition to this website and practice is nothing. American Humane encourages people not to initiate e-mail or Internet petitions or contact the person operating the site. This only encourages the site's continuance. Further, spreading the word about the horrors of Bonsai kittens only increases traffic to this web domain, making the ultimate demise of it more difficult. If you possess information that someone is trying to replicate this process, please alert your local authorities immediately. Statement on Intentional Deformation of Cats American Humane unalterably opposes all abuse to animals, including intentional disfigurement. Studies show that people who perpetrate violence toward animals often perpetrate violence toward children and other vulnerable populations. American Humane supports the prosecution of anyone who maliciously and intentionally disfigures an animal for the purpose of entertainment. All 50 states have animal cruelty laws that make practices such as the intentional deformation of cats illegal. CloningWhat is the American Humane Association’s view on cloning pets?The American Humane Association has many reservations regarding pet cloning. The issue raises many scientific and ethical concerns. One concern is the existing epidemic of pet overpopulation. Each year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters across the country simply because there are not enough homes available. Care of these animals costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually. Pet cloning would only add to America's serious pet overpopulation problem. Another concern is that pet cloning does not recreate a family’s beloved companion animal. The bond between a person and a pet, as well as life experiences, shapes a pet’s personality. This bond and these experiences cannot be replicated in a scientific laboratory. Another concern is that the science of cloning pets is in its infancy. How safe is the cloning process itself? It takes many attempts to create one successful clone. Unfortunately, the unsuccessfully cloned animals can end up deformed or enduring great suffering. Cloned animals are prone to disease, malformation, and a shortened life span. American Humane asserts that pets don’t have to be the same as former companion animals for them to find a place in your heart. American Humane encourages you to visit your local shelter and make a new friend. DebarkingIs debarking dogs humane?The American Humane Association does not have a policy regarding debarking dogs; however, American Humane strongly discourages pet guardians from having this procedure performed. Debarking surgery does not result in a silent dog. The dog will still attempt to bark and will typically make a hoarse, raspy sound that can be equally annoying. Debarking surgery will also not alleviate the reason for the dog's barking. There are humane methods for training dogs to bark only when appropriate, and American Humane encourages people to look for obedience trainers or animal behaviorists to discuss training methods to help inhibit barking. American Humane’s Guide to Humane Dog Training (available to order) contains pictures and basic information on dog behavior, canine learning style, training methods and equipment, and selecting a trainer. DeclawingWhat is the American Humane Association’s view on declawing cats?American Humane recognizes that scratching is a natural behavior of cats, and that cats may be defenseless without use of their claws if they, intentionally or unintentionally, go outdoors. American Humane perceives the declawing of cats (onychectomy) and the severing of digital tendons (tendonectomy) to be elective surgical procedures, which are without benefit to the cat. Because of postoperative discomfort and pain and potential behavioral or physical effects, American Humane condemns declawing or tendonectomy surgery when it is performed solely for the convenience of the guardian. People who have a cat that is declawed, or who are considering having a cat declawed, are not necessarily inhumane and may make excellent guardians. However, because the act is irreversible, every effort should be made to explore alternatives to this procedure. Scratching damage to household furnishings can be minimized or avoided by routine clipping of the cat’s claws, using claw covers, or redirecting the cat’s activity to acceptable surfaces. If you have tried all alternatives to solve destructive scratching problems, it is better to declaw the animal than abandon it. Ear croppingIs ear cropping humane?The American Humane Association does not have an official position on the issue of ear cropping; however, American Humane does oppose cosmetic surgery on animals when performed solely for the convenience of the caregiver. Elective surgical procedures can cause postoperative discomfort and pain, as well as future physical effects. Many veterinarians refuse to surgically “crop” the ears of animals because the procedure is particularly painful and has a long recovery period. American Humane opposes this cosmetic procedure unless it is medically necessary, as determined by a licensed veterinarian. Early spay/neuterWhat is the American Humane Association’s view on spaying and neutering young animals?American Humane fully supports early (i.e., prepubescent) spaying and neutering. The research on the physical, behavioral, and short- and long-term effects of prepubescent neutering in dogs and cats shows no adverse results. American Humane supports this practice as a feasible solution to decreasing pet overpopulation and the tragedy of resulting deaths. Our position is in line with an in-depth article in the February 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Vol. 224, No. 3, pages 372-379). The article discusses the long-term risks and benefits of early-age neutering among cats and reports no association between increased rates of death or medical or behavioral conditions and early-age neutering. An article in the July 1997 issue of this journal reports similar findings for dogs (Vol. 211, No. 2, page 180-182). EBI vs COOur shelter currently uses a CO chamber for euthanasia, but in line with American Humane’s position on euthanasia by injection (EBI), we would like to move to this practice. What does the transition involve?The CO chamber is still used by many shelters to perform euthanasia, and the typical reasons given for using CO over EBI are that it costs less and is easier emotionally on the shelter staff. However, this is not true. Shelters should consider the following issues when moving to EBI: Financial: If done according to AVMA standards, the costs to use a CO chamber are comparable to the costs for using EBI. It is only less expensive to use the CO chamber if animals are euthanized in non-approved, unsafe equipment or through use of inhumane methods. The costs involved in moving to EBI may be for initial training and certification, if required by your state, and later for purchase of the sodium pentobarbital, the drug used for EBI. Emotional: Many shelter workers want to do what’s best for the animals in their care. It is difficult for them to put animals in the CO chamber and then walk away to escape witnessing or hearing the potential panic of an animal before unconsciousness sets in. Most workers would prefer to be able to hold and comfort the animal during euthanasia, which is possible with EBI. This may help shelter workers feel that their euthanasia method is more humane for the animals in their care, and it may take less of an emotional toll on them. Logistical: Many states require EBI training and certification, which adds to the initial time and costs involved in moving to EBI. You can check with your state animal control or humane society association or state attorney general’s office to learn the requirements for your state. American Humane provides information on EBI training dates and locations on its web site, and our Animal Protection Services group can give your shelter step-by-step advice to help you upgrade to EBI. Employment adsHow can I place a job opportunity on the American Humane Association website?American Humane members may place ads free of charge on American Humane’s Shelter Services Job Opportunities web page. The nonmember fee is $20. Ads must be 100 words or less and will appear for 45 days. To place an ad, e-mail the text of your message, along with the name of your agency and contact information, to info@americanhumane.org. American Humane will verify your membership and forward your ad to our webmasters, or we will contact you for payment. For information about membership in American Humane, or to renew your membership, click here. FebrezeIs Febreze Fabric Refresher safe?Rumors circulating over the Internet have accused Febreze™ of being dangerous to companion animals, and have warned consumers to avoid using this product. The American Humane Association investigated these accusations and reports there is no substantial reason to be concerned about this product with regard to the health of most companion animals. The National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC), operated by the ASPCA, has issued Febreze its seal of approval after a thorough review by veterinary toxicologists. The NAPCC suggests that Febreze is safe to use as directed in households with dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. The NAPCC recommends that birds be removed from rooms when spraying any household cleaning product until the area is fully ventilated because of their unique respiratory physiology. Due to a lack of data about Febreze's interaction with animals other than dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents, other animals should be removed from rooms when the product is being used. Guardian versus ownerWhy does the American Humane Association support the term guardian versus owner?The relationship between humans and animals is more than that of owners and objects. To the extent that the term guardian helps foster and encourage a greater awareness of human obligations to all animals, American Humane encourages and supports its use in preference to the term owner. Guardian in its most immediate sense means to guard, watch over, and protect; thus, its use reminds us of our basic responsibility to our companion animals. American Humane strives to use the term guardian in all materials; however, it does use owner if its use can help us better convey our message to certain audiences. HoardingWhat is hoarding?Hoarding is a problem involving dogs, cats, and sometimes other species. Animal Hoarding is not about legitimate sheltering or rescue. It is a disorder. The Tufts University has a good working definition: Someone who accumulates a large number of animals; who fails to provide minimal nutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care; fails to act on deteriorating condition of the animals (including disease, starvation, and even death) or the environment (severely overcrowded and unsanitary conditions); and who fails to act on or recognize the negative impact of the collection on their own health and well being. That said, there are no national guidelines for how many dogs to keep in your home. Some states including Illinois, New Mexico, and Vermont have enacted laws about hoarding, and some cities have ordinances regarding how many pets you can have in your home. Some of them pertain to dogs and cats, others may pertain to dogs only. You should check with your city to see what ordinances there might be in your community. One important tool that may be under-utilized are the housing, plumbing, sanitary, health, safety, and public nuisance codes that exist in every community. If you suspect someone you know is hoarding animals, please contact your local animal care or welfare organization. Tufts University Articles: Intervention: Animal Welfare: Working definition of a Hoarder: Internet Animal AbuseIf I suspect that an Internet website is displaying acts of animal abuse, what can I do?The Internet can be a powerful medium for connecting us to information to combat animal cruelty, but it also can be a haven for animal abusers who celebrate and actively advertise their shocking crimes. The best way to stop this type of abuse is to immediately report it to the proper authorities and to refrain from contacting, visiting or forwarding links to the offending sites. Why is it important to report suspected Internet animal cruelty?Reporting any type of suspected animal cruelty may save animals’ lives as well as people’s lives. When animals are abused, people are also at risk. The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of societal violence is well-documented. That is why it is critical to immediately report conduct on the Internet that you suspect may be - or that you know is - animal abuse. If I see animal cruelty on the Internet, what should I do?
What happens after I file a report with the IC3?
What else can I do?
How does the law currently handle Internet animal cruelty?Because communications through the Internet have the ability to cross state lines, the Internet is largely governed by federal law. Improving the federal laws as they pertain to Internet animal abuse is critical. Currently, only a few federal laws address the issue directly:
LaddieWhat happened to Laddie, the Collie described in American Humane’s mailings?The American Humane Association tells the story of "Laddie" to convey the horrific problem of animal abuse in the United States. This four-year-old dog was dragged behind a Jeep by his owner. The owner proceeded to stop the car, get out, beat Laddie unmercifully, and then drag him down the street even further. At the time of the incident, cruelty to animals was a Class A Misdemeanor under Kentucky law, carrying a maximum $500 fine. The perpetrator was convicted of 2nd-degree animal abuse and fined $250 by the judge in Mayfield, Kentucky. The Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter cared for Laddie until he unfortunately passed away as a result of his injuries. This case exemplifies the need for felony animal cruelty laws and strict enforcement of those laws in each and every state. American Humane works tirelessly to help states implement felony animal cruelty legislation and sentencing guidelines for offenders. To learn more about our work to improve animal cruelty laws and other legislation that impacts children and animals, click here. Lost petWhat should I do if my pet becomes lost?If your pet does become lost, don't delay. Take the following steps to help bring your companion animal home to safety.
Remember that pets wearing ID tags increase their chances of finding their way back home. Click here for more information on tagging your pet, and click here to learn about American Humane’s Every Day IsTag Day™. "No-kill" and "Open Door"What is American Humane’s position on shelters’ use of terms like “no-kill” and “open-door”?American Humane believes terms such as “no-kill,” “open-door” (or “open-admission”), and “pound” are pejorative and divisive and serve to pit members of the animal welfare community against one another, instead of fostering an attitude of respect and collaboration around the common goal of saving animal lives. American Humane’s position is in line with principles set forth in the “Asilomar Accords,” which was developed in an unprecedented meeting in 2005 of animal welfare leaders from across the country. The Asilomar Accords recognizes that all stakeholders in the animal welfare community are dedicated to the same goal regardless of differing philosophies and approaches to the issue. The Accords encourages a sense of unity in the field, while respecting the differences inherent to various organizations, communities, and geographic regions. Local shelters probably won’t drastically change the way they look or function as a result of the Accords. What will change is the amount and type of opportunities for collaborative solutions to each community’s animal welfare issues. Whether that means arranging to transfer sick animals from a shelter without a vet to one with veterinary resources, or creating a coalition of local animal control agencies, non-profit shelters, and community members concerned about feral cats, the Accords lay the groundwork for collaborative efforts and mutual support of those seeking to save the lives of all healthy and treatable companion animals To read more download the Asilomar Accords. Online huntingWhat is Internet hunting, and what is American Humane’s position on it?Internet hunting refers to a practice by some websites that allows users, for a fee, to “hunt” animals in certain locations. Website users aim at the animals through webcams and then fire using their keyboard and mouse to operate remote rifles. American Humane is gravely concerned about this trend. Disguised as “hunting,” this activity is nothing more than animal cruelty. The animals are held captive in an enclosure from which they cannot escape, and aiming a gun at them from miles away is unsportsmanlike, unethical, and inhumane. We believe that most hunters in this country share our outrage. The American Humane Association asserts that Internet hunting is contrary to the values of our mission. Consequently, American Humane is calling for positive action to prevent such cruelties. Shelter grantsHow can my animal shelter receive a grant?Many funding sources are available in the form of grants. Details about American Humane’s Meacham Memorial Foundation Grant, as well as other grant opportunities are available by clicking here. Many grantors require an agency be incorporated as a nonprofit and be in receipt of its 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Agency. If your organization is not a 501(c)3 non-profit, you can find information at the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96590,00.html. American Humane also suggests that the person at your organization charged with applying for grants research the grant-writing process or take a class on how to write grants effectively. Basic information on obtaining a grant is available here. Shelter space requirementsDoes the American Humane Association have a recommendation on space requirements for animals in shelters?American Humane does not have guidelines for the number of square feet per animal that facilities should provide. It is difficult to determine, as the length of time animals are sheltered directly impacts their space requirements. Animals kept in short-term facilities do not require as much space as those kept in long-term or sanctuary care facilities. The amount of space needed for different species (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits) also impacts the number of square feet a facility needs. Animals in isolation or in treatment areas may not need as much space as animals in adoption areas. All these factors make it difficult to determine a “one size fits all” recommendation. It is important to learn whether your state has laws pertaining to this issue. Check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or your State Veterinarian. Click here for contact information for your State Veterinarian. Tail dockingIs tail docking humane?The American Humane Association does not have an official position on the issue of tail docking; however, American Humane does oppose cosmetic surgery on animals when performed solely for the convenience of the caregiver. Tail docking typically is performed when a puppy is three to five days old. Anesthesia is not usually used, causing the puppy a great deal of pain. American Humane opposes this cosmetic procedure unless it is medically necessary, as determined by a licensed veterinarian. Trapping catsWhat can I do about my neighbor who is trapping stray cats in the neighborhood? I’m worried about the safety of my cat.In most communities, it is not illegal to trap stray animals. Cats that are allowed to roam at large, outside the control of their caregivers, are indeed considered stray. The American Humane Association strongly encourages caregivers to make sure their cats wear appropriate tags and collars, have an implanted ID microchip, and are kept indoors. Statistically, cats that live indoors have a much longer life expectancy -- often three to four times than that of outdoor cats. The threat of traps is only one of the perils that can befall outdoor cats. Cars, wildlife, theft, abuse, and exposure to contagious disease and parasites are also cause for concern. And, unfortunately, not all caregivers have had their cats spayed or neutered, which adds to the tragic pet overpopulation problem when their outdoor cats procreate. Vet billsCan the American Humane Association help pay for my vet bills?American Humane is not able to provide financial assistance to individual pet guardians. You may qualify for funds available through http://www.imom.org/ for emergency situations. Also, ask your veterinarian about low-cost veterinary services in your area. Some clinics work on a sliding scale based on income. And some universities have veterinary programs where high-level veterinary students perform procedures under the supervision of licensed doctors, often at a greatly reduced rate. Veterinarians may also offer long-term payment plans for expensive procedures. Veterinary InsuranceShould I get pet insurance for my pet’s veterinary care?There are many ways to make sure your pet receives proper, yet affordable, medical care. Your vet may offer special seasonal promotions for heart worm medication or vaccinations. And, low-cost spay/neuter procedures and other medical services can often be found through your yellow pages or through referral by your local shelter. Another way to reduce your veterinary costs is to purchase veterinary insurance. Veterinary insurance can provide coverage for vaccinations and regular check-ups, as well as significant cost-savings for specific procedures. Policies vary by provider, and more information regarding insurance companies can be found at http://www.petinsurancefinder.com/ Please contact your veterinarian or your local shelter for more information about pet insurance providers and the policy that’s right for you.
VolunteeringHow can I find opportunities to volunteer?American Humane encourages people who care about children and animals to get involved in their communities. American Humane partners with VolunteerMatch to make a database of volunteer opportunities available online. American Humane also offers volunteer opportunities at our offices in Denver; Washington, DC; and Los Angeles. Contact us at info@americanhumane.org for more information. |
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