The poor dog chained in your neighbor’s backyard looks underfed.

The man next door beats his dog whenever it digs a hole in the yard or chews on the lawn furniture.

You witness a neighbor’s child put his cat in a box and then kick it around the yard.

What can you do?

Follow these steps as recommended by American Humane help stop animal abuse and neglect.

Step 1: Evaluate the situation

Step 2: Report Animal Abuse

Step 3: Understanding the Law

Step 4: Help Prevent Animal Abuse

American Humane, be kind to animals week, how to, report animal abuse Hide

There are so many ways to take care of your dog.

Start with health by scheduling your dog for regular check ups with a veterinarian you trust. Check our dog health library for information on choosing pet insurance, grooming, weight management, and safety tips.

Next, make sure your dog has ID with microchipping, and a collar with up to date tags. While moving, contact the microchip company, and place both old and new addresses and phone numbers on your pet.

Don’t forget training! By spending a few minutes each day on practicing good manners, both you and your dog will be happier in your home. Teach your old dog new tricks or start the sport of dog agility!

For additional information, check out the Online Dog Coach Library, Dog Training Videos, and the American Humane Pet Care page.

be kind to animals week, care, dogs, Health and Care Hide

So Many Animals, So Many Ways to Be Kind

Online Dog Coach and the American Humane Association Celebrate the 96th Annual Be Kind to Animals Week® May 2-8. This week we’ll bring you a tip a day on ways you can show kindness towards animals.

“So many animals. So many ways to be kind.” That’s the inspiring theme of this year’s Be Kind to Animals Week®, an annual event started by the American Humane Association in 1915 to encourage compassion toward animals. Every year, animal shelters throughout the country hold special events during Be Kind to Animals Week to raise awareness about animals in our homes and communities and to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals.

In 1952, Be Kind to Animals Week received the official endorsements of the U.S. and Canadian governments. It is now one of the oldest special week-long observances in the United States.

“Kindness toward animals is one of the building blocks of a humane and compassionate society,” said George C. Casey, interim president and CEO of American Humane. “Be Kind to Animals Week is the ideal opportunity to go above and beyond in caring for animals — and there are so many different and valuable ways to do just that.”

In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, we suggests the following ways to show appreciation for the animals around you:

• Commit to adopting your next pet from an animal shelter

• Report any suspected animal abuse or neglect

• Donate to or volunteer at your local animal shelter

• Spay or neuter your pets and encourage friends and family to do the same

• Spend quality time with your pet

• Make sure your pet has an ID tag and microchip

• Drive cautiously through areas populated by wild animals such as deer

• Plant flowers in your yard that will attract butterflies or hummingbirds

• Speak out in your community about the importance of respecting animals

• Visit www.americanhumane.org for activities children and adults can do together

American Humane, be kind to animals week, shelters Hide

Celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week, May second through eighth, by nominating a kid or teen who shows exceptional compassion toward animals in American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest.

Two grand prize winners will each receive one thousand dollars! Nominations must be received no later than April fifteenth, so nominate your kind kid today! Download a nomination form now and visit americanhumane.org for more information.

All winners and runners-up will be announced nationally during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8, and featured on the American Humane website

American Humane, be kind to animals week, children and dogs, contests, teens and dogs, volunteers Hide

In just 10 months, 13-year-old Abby Jungers spent more than 700 hours volunteering at her local animal shelter, the St. Charles Humane Society in St. Peters, Mo. She cleans kennels, walks dogs, helps with heartworm tests, trains new volunteers, participates in mobile adoptions and more. Taking on even the least desirable tasks in the name of helping animals made her one of American Humane’s 2009 Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest grand prize winners.

Every year, American Humane conducts a national search for children who have shown dedication and outstanding effort in improving the lives and welfare of animals. Online Dog coach is joining in the search and linking you to nomination forms for your child.

Kids and animals have always had a special bond. “Thousands of kids in the United States are doing all kinds of creative things to make the world a better place for animals,” said George C. Casey, American Humane’s interim president and CEO. “We want to recognize their efforts and encourage others to follow their lead.”

Kind Kid nominees are divided into two age groups: Children (6-12) and Teens (13-17). Judges will select one grand prize winner and one runner-up from each age group. Grand prize winners will each win $1,000, and runners-up will each win $500. All winners and runners-up will be announced nationally during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8, and featured on the American Humane website at www.americanhumane.org/bkaw

How to enter:  Nominations must include a 300-word description of how the child or teen has shown extraordinary compassion for animals. Other supporting materials, such as photographs and news clippings, are encouraged, but not required. Do not send videos. Nominations must be submitted online or received by mail by April 15, 2010. No purchase necessary. Complete contest rules and nomination forms can also be obtained on the American Humane website.

American Humane, be kind to animals week, children and dogs, contests, teens and dogs, volunteers Hide