May 3 – 9, 2026
A Tradition of Care and Compassion Since 1915
Celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week®, a time dedicated to kindness, education and action for animals everywhere.
Seven Days of Kindness: How You Can Participate
Sunday
Start with Kindness
Begin the week with one small act of kindness for animals. Simple actions can make a big difference.
Today’s Act
Read today’s story and complete one small act of kindness for animals.
Monday
Give a Second Chance
Support shelters and rescues that provide life-saving care for animals in need.
Today’s Act
Learn how rescue and adoption change lives and consider making a small gift to help animals in need.
Tuesday
Choose Humane
Make informed, compassionate choices that support higher standards of animal welfare.
Today’s Act
Learn what humane certification means and look for certified products or services.
Wednesday
Care for Animals at Home
Practice responsible, attentive care for the animals who depend on you.
Today’s Act
Review one resource on responsible animal care and share a tip that promotes health, safety or compassion.
Thursday
Protect Wildlife
Help safeguard wildlife and the habitats they rely on.
Today’s Act
Learn about one conservation effort and share one fact about wildlife protection.
Friday
Honor Heroes on Both Ends of the Leash
Celebrate the extraordinary bond between service members and the dogs who stand beside them.
Today’s Act
Share a message of gratitude honoring a military working dog or service dog team.
Saturday
Prepare to Protect
Take steps to safeguard animals during emergencies and disasters.
Today’s Act
Review one pet preparedness tip or download the Pet Preparedness Toolkit and take one step to protect the animals in your care.
Inspire the Next Generation
Building a better world for animals starts with teaching children the value of kindness.
Download our free activity guide, which includes twelve grade-level activities for K–5, complete with caregiver and educator guidance, a Pledge to Our World’s Animals and a Certificate of Compassion.
From a Week of Kindness to a Lifetime of Care
Your kindness today supports life-changing programs that rescue, care for and protect animals wherever and whenever they’re in need.
Thanks to our friends at Pets Best Pet Insurance, every gift will be matched — dollar-for-dollar — up to a total of $20,000. That means you can help reach TWICE as many animals with kindness, providing TWICE the critical care.
Pets Best Pet Insurance will match campaign contributions up to $20,000. Limited to U.S. residents only. Any gift received surpassing the $20,000 matching gift will not be doubled but will continue to support all of American Humane Society’s life-changing and impactful programs.
A Legacy of Compassion
Since 1915, Be Kind to Animals Week has inspired generations to speak up for animals and treat them with compassion. What began during the hardships of World War I has grown into the longest-running commemorative week in U.S. history. These powerful moments highlight more than a century of humane progress and public awareness.