November 21, 2011

Enter the Home for the Holidays Photo Contest!

This holiday season, we have much to be thankful for, including the unconditional love of our beloved companions.

The ASPCA Home for the Holidays Photo Contest celebrates rescued pets and the humans who gave them a second chance—and a loving home.

Submit the photo that best represents the special bond you have with your companion and the difference a rescued pet makes in your holiday celebrations. Click here to enter your photo today! And happy holidays to all from the ASPCA. 

November 14, 2011

$100K Challenge Photo/Video Contest Winners

In just three months of this year’s $100K Challenge, tens of thousands of animals’ lives were saved, and many of those lives were captured, in all their furry glory, on camera. From more than 500 submissions, we selected the 23 photos and videos that best represented the Challenge spirit, and then asked you to vote for your favorite. Well, as always, you didn’t disappoint. In total, the finalists received just shy of 20,000 votes! We are beyond thrilled to announce the 15 winning images and their participating shelters, each of which will receive a $1,000 grant.

• Kelly and Keiko (Washington Humane Society)
• Jenni, Addison and Sadie (The Humane Society of South Mississippi )
• Denise and Gretchen Grace (Valley Oak SPCA)
• Natalie, Robin and Maggie (Monmouth County SPCA)
• Lauren and Croix (St. Croix Animal Welfare Center)
• Jackie and Emmy (New Hampshire SPCA)
• Nadine, Cass, Sebastian, Phoebe, Finley, Gilbert and Edison (Dane County Humane Society)
• Maria and Big Bird (Animal Rescue League of Boston)
• Bethany and Mickey Meows (Cherokee County Animal Shelter)
• Summer and Harley (Austin Pets Alive!)
• Jeannine and Puppet (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society)
• Melissa and Mia (Orange County Animal Services)
• Heather and Little Bit (Animal Rescue League of Iowa)
• Rebecca, Jamey and Gerald (Cobb County Animal Control)
• Tal, Pearl and Skip (Animal Welfare Association)

Many congrats to all of the winners—check out the cuteness at www.aspca.org/100kphoto. And stay tuned to ASPCA.org on November 30 for the big announcement of the $100K Challenge grand prize winner.

November 4, 2011

The Votes Are In—Meet America’s Funniest Dogs!

This past October, we celebrated Adopt a Shelter Dog Month—and to kick it off, we launched the Funniest Dog Video Contest. Hundreds of you got your cameras rolling and captured your pups showing off their funny bones. From talented singing dogs to those pups simply born to be clowns, your videos certainly didn’t disappoint!

A special congrats to our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered. Please note that selecting the winners was a very hard process, and each entry had us smiling. Click here to watch the five videos guaranteed to make you laugh.

And stay tuned for more ASPCA contests!

November 3, 2011

Grand Winner of the We ‘Like’ You, Too Sweepstakes Announced!

Congratulations to Donna Foley of St. Louis, Missouri. Out of thousands of contest entries, Donna’s name was randomly selected to win our grand prize. We couldn’t wait to call our lucky recipient to fill her in on the good news.

“I can’t believe I won!” exclaimed an overjoyed Donna. “I never thought it would be me, I am just so excited.”

As the lucky winner, Donna will receive:

• Two round-trip tickets to NYC
• Hotel accommodations
• Two tickets to attend the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon on November 17
• A guided tour of the ASPCA Adoption Center
• Plus, a $10,000 shelter grant!

Stay tuned for coverage of Donna’s visit to NYC—and the announcement of the lucky shelter to receive the $10,000 grant!

October 5, 2011

Enter the 2011 Funniest Dog Video Contest!

Show us the funny! Does your pup have a special talent? A goofy grin? Is he an outright clown? Maybe you merely had the camera rolling when a stellar pooch blooper occurred? Whatever the case may be, send the amusement our way. We want that clip that makes you laugh out loud every time you watch it.

The top three winners—selected by our top-dog judges—will receive a special prize pack from the ASPCA. Plus, we’ll feature the winning videos on our website. So get rolling—the deadline for entries is October 31!

Enter the 2011 Funniest Dog Video Contest today!

October 3, 2011

One Million Fans—We 'Like' You, Too!

We did it! One million people now ‘like’ us on Facebook. Humbled. Amazed. Grateful. We have only one thing to say: We ‘like’ you, too! Together we have fought for tougher laws to protect animals, shared vital pet care tips with friends, pledged to end animal cruelty…and of course, found homes for thousands of homeless pets.

You’ve given so much to the animals, and now we want to give a little something back. Through November 1, everyone can take 10% off the ASPCA Online Store with coupon code 1MIL10. We’re also inviting folks to enter a special Facebook contest.

The winner will receive:

• Two round-trip tickets to NYC (November 16 to November 18)
• Hotel accommodations
• Two tickets to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon on November 17
• A guided tour of the ASPCA Adoption Center

But that’s not all! It wouldn’t be fair—and we certainly wouldn’t be us—if we didn’t include our furry friends. That’s why we’re offering the grand-prize winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve the lives of animals: If you win, we’ll award $10,000 to your favorite shelter!

Don’t wait a second more! Enter the We ‘Like’ You, Too Give-Away. And thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We truly are one million voices for animals.

September 13, 2011

Bucket of Good: A Child’s Birthday Wish to Help Animals

For his birthday, little Robert Camp didn’t ask for toys but for the gift of giving. His special day wish was to help raise money for needy animals, and ASPCA donor Carole French was determined to help. Carole is the owner of Magic Windows, a children's clothing boutique on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Each morning she sets a treat canister on the counter to accept donations for the ASPCA—and she matches every contribution to the penny. When Robert’s parents, who often patronize the store, told Carole about their son’s special birthday wish, she immediately offered to match his gift. Together they raised $200!

Want to throw a party to help animals? Become an ASPCA Ambassador and invite friends and family to support your efforts to help the ASPCA.

August 16, 2011

Get Clicking—ASPCA $100K Challenge Photo Contest Is On!

So you've no doubt heard about the incredible work of our $100K Challenge contestants. You know, creating really cool ways to motivate their communities and drastically increase their adoption rates. Well, for the second year in a row, we're highlighting some of these successful adoption stories with our $100K Challenge Photo Contest.

The contest is open to anyone who has adopted, fostered, volunteered or found a lost pet from one of our Challenge shelters during the months of August, September or October 2011. So get clicking and submit your photo today!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out some of the entries so far! And for more information on the 2011 ASPCA $100K Challenge, please visit challenge.aspcapro.org.

August 9, 2011

The Numbers Are In!

This past weekend, thousands of you joined us on Twitter to watch as shelters from across the nation held special adoption events to kick-off the 2011 ASPCA $100K Challenge. Well, folks, the numbers are in…and we can’t wait to share them. In total, more than 3,000 shelter pets went home!

“It was such an incredible start,” says Bert Troughton, ASPCA Vice President of Community Outreach. “Many of these shelters shattered their own adoption records, and in so doing they shattered the perception of what’s possible.”

Shelters rallied, communities rallied, volunteers rallied…and thousands of animals’ lives were saved. A special thanks to all who joined us on Twitter—they couldn’t have done it without you!

For more information about the 2011 ASPCA $100K Challenge, please visit challenge.aspcapro.org.

July 20, 2011

Do You Use Twitter to Help Animals?

Benji is one of many animals currently available at the ASPCA Adoption Center.

Okay, I’ll admit it: It took me a little while to warm up to Twitter. But today, I’m a full-fledged tweeting addict. I use Twitter to see what my friends are doing, catch up on breaking news, share updates with my followers…and, most importantly, help animals!

It’s actually super easy to make a difference for animals through Twitter. Here’s how you do it:

• Follow the ASPCA on Twitter First things first, you have to “follow” us. This simple action will bring you the latest updates in animal cruelty news, stellar pet care tips and some of the cutest adoptable animals in town!
• Join the conversation!
  Tweet your opinions! Let the online world know how you feel about animals by retweeting ASPCA posts, twitpics and videos! And don’t forget to include hashtags like #adopt and #ASPCA when talking about animals.
• Inspire Others
  Do you volunteer at your local shelter? Promote spaying and neutering? Boycott the circus? Use Twitter to tell your friends—and ask them to do the same!
• Retweet! Retweet! Retweet!
  Do you like what you’re reading on ASPCA.org? Be sure to tweet it out. Get your friends involved in the fight for animals by asking your followers to take action and retweet, too!
• Give a Tweet!
  Send out a daily tweet dedicated to an adoptable animal every week. It’s a great way to help homeless critters find the forever homes they deserve.

There’s a lot to be done, so let’s get started—join us on Twitter! Can you think of other ways to help animals using this social media tool? Let us know!

May 31, 2011

Let's Help Animals with Facebook!

Sure, we all love Facebook, but did you know it can be a cool tool in our fight against animal cruelty? Think about it. You have friends. Your friends have friends. And they have friends, too. There is pretty good chance you can reach hundreds—even thousands—of people with just one status update. So why not make it count?

“Like” Us on Facebook
First things first, you have to “like” us. This simple action will spread the ASPCA’s mission to your friends, and their friends, and their friends, and so on! Plus, you'll get all the latest updates on adoptable animals, animal cruelty news and top pet care tips.

Voice Your Opinions
Now that we’re pals, we want to hear from you. Let the online world know how you feel about animals by commenting and “liking” our status updates, photos, and videos!

Share! Share! Share!
Like what you’re reading? Be sure share it on your wall, it’s the best way to get your friends involved, too. Again, this simple action can make a BIG difference!

Donate Your Status Update
Give your status update to an adoptable animal every week. It’s the best way to help animals find the forever homes they deserve.

Inspire Others
Did you volunteer at your local shelter? Promote spaying and neutering? Boycott the circus? Use Facebook to tell your friends—and ask them to do the same!

There’s a lot to be done, so let’s get started—Join us on Facebook! Can you think of other ways to help animals using this social media tool? Let us know!

April 25, 2011

ASPCA Condemns New Dog Fighting Mobile App

A BIG thumbs down to Kage Games for its recent launch of a mobile dog fighting game called Dog Wars. The free smartphone app has caused outrage among animal lovers—and for good reason. Players actually feed, train and fight virtual dogs. They can even inject their dogs with steroids, bet virtual money and use a gun to fight the cops during a bust.

Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects notes, “Anything that in any way appears to promote or condone the serious, violent crime of dog fighting is cause for concern. This ‘game’ comes at a time when public outrage and law enforcement concern about dog fighting is at an all-time high, and the public should make this outrage known to those who promote it."

Dog fighting is not a game—and it is certainly no fun for the animals involved. Fighting dogs are often forced to spend their entire lives tethered to short, heavy chains. They receive inadequate care, little socialization and often go for days without access to quality food or clean water. During fights, many die of blood loss, shock and exhaustion. Others, those who are no longer deemed valuable, are simply killed.

Take Action!
Dog fighting is a felony across all 50 states. Please visit our Blood Sports section to learn more about the cruelties associated with this barbaric “sport.” And ask your friends to boycott mobile apps like Dog Wars!

Don’t forget to share this page with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

April 4, 2011

2011 "I Saved My Pet!" Photo Contest

Was your cat rescued from an abusive situation, or found abandoned on the street? Perhaps your dog is a puppy mill survivor? Or a former racing Greyhound? Whatever ordeal your beloved pet endured before finding you, your story of rescue and adoption is the best kind of happily-ever-after.

This April, in honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, we’re pleased to announce our 2011 “I Saved My Pet!” Photo Contest. In 50 words or less, share your pet’s rescue story, and send it along with a prize-winning photo! Furry, finned or feathered—all companion animals can compete.

The top five winners—selected by ASPCA staff—will receive an ASPCA Prize Pack and be featured on our website. Entries will be accepted now through April 22, 2011. Whatever your rescue story, we'd love to hear from you!

Please send all submissions to PhotoContest@ASPCA.org.

Rules:

• No purchase necessary
• Must be 18 or older to enter. This contest is void where prohibited and is limited to legal U. S. residents; ASPCA employees and their families are not eligible to enter.
• Entries are subject to the ASPCA’s privacy policy.
• Submission deadline is midnight Eastern Time on April 22, 2011.
• Five winners will be chosen by a panel of ASPCA judges based on the aesthetic quality of their photo submission and how compellingly their story is. All judgments are in the sole discretion of the ASPCA.
• Your entry must include your name, mailing address, daytime telephone number, a valid email address, animal name, 1 jpg photo file. Incomplete entries will not be considered. Entries become the property of the ASPCA and will not be returned.
• Photo submissions should include only images of you and pets owned by you.
• By submitting your text/photo in this contest, you give the ASPCA an irrevocable, perpetual royalty-free right to use your name/text/photo for any purposes to promote the ASPCA’s mission of providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
• By entering this contest, you are confirming that you are at least 18 years of age, the sole owner of the photograph submitted, and author of the text contained in your entry.

January 31, 2011

Check Out the Latest Flick from HelpJoey.com!

Attention pet parents, there is new gadget on the market geared solely to putting an end to pet fornication. The Gas Girdle is a comfy-to-wear farting machine produced by our very own pet purity crusaders at HelpJoey.com. So how does it work? Simply strap the Gas Girdle around your pet’s abdomen, hide…and wait. As soon as you catch him getting ready for some serious action, press the remote control button to produce one of several different farting sounds. Tada! The dirty deed is averted—at least till the next time.

“We all know the biggest turnoff during sex is farting,” says Joey of HelpJoey.com. “That’s why we created the Gas Girdle. They’re cool. They’re comfortable. And we’re pretty sure they’re going to put an end to animal overpopulation—at least until everyone spays or neuters their pets.”

Through a series of slapstick video escapades, Joey continues to spread his “StopChasingTail” campaign in effort to help end pet overpopulation.

November 15, 2010

The Daily Show Takes on Puppy Mills—Check Out the Video!

Fan or not, we’ve got to give credit to The Daily Show for tackling the serious issue of puppy mill reform in America, especially given the current debate over the passage of Proposition B in Missouri. Sure, the majority of Missourians voted in favor of tougher state regulations for puppy mills—but opposition to the new set of rules remains fierce, if not also a bit misinformed.

In last week’s Daily Show segment, correspondent Olivia Munn visits Missouri to see firsthand how residents are reacting to the passing of Prop B. Munn speaks with animal welfare leaders, even Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, who throws his opinion in the ring. But the most startling interview is with Anita Andrews, Director of the Alliance for Truth—an organization that heavily opposes the new puppy mill law. 

“They’re expecting all the breeders to sit there and pay for exorbitant amounts of care that are not needed—like adequate food, adequate water, and adequate space,” explains Andrews.

With its well-known satiric flare, The Daily Show gets to the heart of the matter—puppy mill reform is needed and those who oppose it…well, we’ll just let you come to your own conclusions. 

Can't play the video? Click here!

November 12, 2010

Give a Shout Out for HelpJoey.com!

Okay, people, we’re back with the latest wacky web-flick from our friends at HelpJoey.com. Earlier this week, we announced our new partnership this lone pet-crusader and vowed to help steer him in the right direction—offering him the spay/neuter tools and resources needed to bring his edgy campaign to a whole new level.

That said, we’re asking you to give us a hand. We want to get Joey’s “StopChasingTail” message out to as many people as possible. So check out his latest video escapade “Learning Their Language” (sure to bring big laughs!) and help us give it a big push across Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets—we can’t do it without you!

Be sure stop by HelpJoey.com—and see for yourself what the buzz is all about.

November 10, 2010

We’ve Joined the Mission—ASPCA Announces Partnership with HelpJoey.com!

So, it’s been several weeks now of watching wacky pet crusader Joey Henry of HelpJoey.com use comedy to raise awareness of pet overpopulation. If you haven’t checked him out yet, Joey’s on a mission to stop cats and dogs from having sex! Sound a little weird? We know!

Sure we had our doubts that Joey’s “stop chasing tail” campaign would actually make a mark in our battle to end pet overpopulation, but people really seem be enjoying it. With a little help, his series of slapstick video escapades could spark a strong online movement to spread the spay/neuter message far and wide! Seeing the impact this lone pet-crusader has made so far, we decided to reach out and offer him our full support.

“I had just stopped two lust-driven labs from doing the sex, when I got the call from the ASPCA—I was so psyched and frankly, surprised, maybe I’m not as crazy as I thought,” says Joey.  “Now with the ASPCA’s help, I’ll have the support I need to get a whole army of folks out there helping me stop the humping. With them in our corner, we'll be able to help so many cats and dogs.”

The ASPCA is excited to announce our new partnership with HelpJoey.com and are eager to offer the spay/neuter tools and resources needed to bring this creative campaign to a whole new level.

Be sure to check out Joey’s latest video escapade, at HelpJoey.com—and see for yourself what the buzz is all about.

November 10, 2010

Operation Cats is Here—Get Your Virtual Game On!

Each week we get tons of messages from folks telling us they want to help raise funds for animals—but just aren’t sure where to start. Well, we heard you loud and clear, and our experts have come up with a fun and easy way for you to help us fight pet overpopulation. And the best part—you don’t have to leave the comforts of your couch!

Operation Cats is a high-tech social networking game that allows players to create their very own virtual cat. Better yet, your cat can be personalized to look just like the kitty of your dreams—choose your favorite colors, whisker length, even eye shape. Once you have created your virtual feline, they can enter a world designed just for them—your cat can romp, play, and even chat with other cats. What a great way to make new friends!

So, what’s that catch? How can something so amusing help raise funds? Well, it’s easier than you think! Simply reach out to your Facebook friends and encourage them to sponsor your fundraising mission by purchasing virtual gifts for your cat. Or shop yourself for the latest cat toys, stylish fashion collars, even a spurting milk fountain—keep in mind, 100% of the proceeds for each gift directly support the ASPCA's life-saving work.

So animal lovers, show us what you’ve got! Create your own virtual cat today—and invite your friends and family to help spread the word about pet overpopulation, too.

Plus, stay tuned to the ASPCA on Facebook for exciting contests starring your very own virtual kitty!

October 25, 2010

HelpJoey.com—the “Stop Chasing Tail” Crusader Is at it Again!

Last week we introduced you to wacky pet crusader Joey Henry of HelpJoey.com, whose straightforward approach to ending pet overpopulation is causing quite the stir. Simply put, Joey’s on a mission to stop cats and dogs from having sex!

We’re the first to admit we had our doubts about Joey’s “stop chasing tail” campaign, but his series of slapstick video escapades continue to generate buzz—and for good reason, they’re really weird and funny!

Recently launched on his Facebook page, Joey’s latest web-flick is a parody of the A&E hit Intervention. In a pseudo-therapist role, Joey sternly confronts an unaltered pooch, Scruffy, about his unabashed addiction to sex. Sound a bit bizarre? Maybe—but we certainly couldn’t stop laughing.

All jokes aside, this maverick deserves a round of applause for tackling such a serious issue with humor and heart—but the question remains, does Joey really understand the spay/neuter message? And more importantly, can he handle this mission on his own?

Everyone could use a little support—perhaps we’ll give him a call.

Check out Joey’s latest video escapade on Facebook—and see for yourself what the buzz is all about.

July 29, 2010

Top Ways to Support the ASPCA

Looking for ways to help the ASPCA and our furry friends? Here are some great ideas!

Send Holiday Flowers and Help Animals in Need!
Through our alliance with Teleflora, you can brighten someone’s holiday by sending flowers and helping animals at the same time. Every time you send flowers through www.teleflora.com/aspca , you give back 20% of your product price to the ASPCA! With hundreds of floral arrangements to choose from, making a difference for animals has never been easier. Simply go to www.teleflora.com/aspca or call 800-390-0265 to place your order!

Become an ASPCA Guardian
Monthly gifts provide a consistant, reliable income stream for the ASPCA. Make a big impact for as little as 60 cents a day.

Shop eBay Giving Works
Through eBay Giving Works, you can buy and sell goods to benefit the ASPCA. Browse through thousands of listings that support our cause!

Enter the Best Friends Photo Contest
When you submit a photo of your pet, the contest’s sponsors will give $2 to your charity of choice. Hurry—the deadline for submissions is October 1.

Shop ‘til you drop at We-Care.com
When you shop at We-Care’s more than 1,000 participating merchants, a portion of the purchase price will be donated to the ASPCA at no extra cost to you.

Protect your furry friends by downloading our Petoxins app
Stay informed! With toxic plant information at your fingertips, this app is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch and is available for only $2.99. A portion of every sale is donated to the ASPCA.

Get a gift card from tisBest
Perfect for friends and family, tisBest gift cards allow the recipient to donate to the ASPCA. Orders can be customized with a photo or message and sent via email or shipped.

Join the ASPCA on social networks like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter
This simple action will spread the ASPCA’s mission to your friends, and their friends, and their friends, and so on! Plus, these networks are a great way for you to give us instant feedback, and we can respond to you just as quickly.

Send an email using a “replyforall” signature
Raise money simply by using your email account! Each time you send an email using your personalized replyforall email signature, the ASPCA receives a donation—and you raise awareness of animal cruelty.

Sign up to receive ASPCA Mobile Alerts
By registering for mobile text messages, you’ll receive weekly pet care tips and be alerted to pending humane legislation when your urgent action is needed.

Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade
Fight to get strong anti-cruelty laws passed on federal, state and local levels as a member of our Advocacy Brigade (1.6 million advocates strong!).

Learn how to report animal cruelty
One of the best things you can do to help animals in your community is to keep a list of people who can help you report animal cruelty. Find out how in our Fight Cruelty section.

Shop the ASPCA Online Store
Make a difference by purchasing pet care products, books, accessories and stylish apparel from the ASPCA Online Store—all proceeds from your purchase go to support ASPCA programs!

Keep Your Pets Snugly and Warm!
European Home Designs has partnered with the ASPCA to produce a line of ASPCA® Collection pet beds, throws and blankets for sale at major retail centers throughout the US. For every pet bed, blanket or pet throw sold, the ASPCA will receive 3-5% of the purchase price. European Home Designs, based out of New York City, has been manufacturing and producing pet supplies and accessories for almost 10 years. EHD is extremely excited to work with the ASPCA knowing that their work will also benefit animals and support shelters.You can find these items on www.walmart.com and at Duckwall Alco, Pamida and Ross Stores.

Thank you for your support!