Responsible Animal Guardian Month

Shining a spotlight on that obligation to honor the cats, dogs and other companion animals with whom we share both our home as well as a large piece of our heart, has deemed the month of May as Responsible Animal Guardian Month.

When is Responsible Animal Guardian Month?

Responsible Animal Guardian Month is observed every May. The pet holiday was established by In Defense of Animals (IDA)– a non-profit organization which strives to put a stop to animal abuse and exploitation.

How to Observe the Pet Holiday

In observance of the pet holiday, IDA suggests four actions for cat lovers:

Start TNR

Start a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) initiative in your local area to ensure that

1) community cats are cared for and remain healthy
2) the colony does not continue to grow

Encourage Spay & Neuter

Encourage other pet parents to do their part to curb the problem of pet overpopulation by spaying/neutering their purring pal or barking buddy.

Lend a Helping Hand

Donate funds, much-needed supplies or the precious commodity of time as a volunteer at a local shelter.

Be a Responsible Animal Guardian

Help to change the public’s perception of our relationship with companion animals by encouraging the use of the word “guardian” rather than “owner.”

Famous Voices Lend their Support

Animal advocate/actor James Cromwell once said that “Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.”

Since its inception numerous notables have shown their support for IDA’s Guardian Campaign. In the following flashback video the late Peter Falk, actress Kristen Bell, Hot in Cleveland star Wendie Malick and renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall stand in front of the camera to remind others to stand up for shelter animals who want nothing more than to land a starring role in the life of a forever pet parent: