Animal Rights Awareness Week takes place during the third week in June every year.

Founded in 1991 by a group called In Defense of Animals, this week is designed as a time for people to learn about animal welfare and how we can respect and protect animals. Animal abuse, puppy mills, and using animals as research are all among the important topics to be educated about during this week.

In honor of Animal Rights Awareness Week, today we’re sharing a few actionable steps you can consider taking to support animal rights.

Buy Cruelty-Free Products

According to statistics published by Cruelty Free International, over 115 million animals are used for testing worldwide each year. 

Consider making changes in your purchasing habits before you buy products you need at the store or online. Check to see whether the products you purchase and use are marked “vegan” or “cruelty-free.” 

Consider Vegan Options

Animal Rights Awareness Week is the perfect time to try out a vegan lifestyle. A vegan diet omits all animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs.) Eating vegan can help lower the demand for animals from factory farms.

Even if you do not choose to eat vegan all of the time, consider being more mindful of the food you’re eating and where it came from day to day. You could consider following principles of ethical eating as well. For example, choosing organically raised animals for your meat sources or buying free-range eggs. 

Adopt A Shelter Pet

Humane Societies and animal shelters do important work rescuing dogs and cats from bad situations. The next time you’re looking to add a new member to your family, consider supporting the work your local shelters do by adopting your new pet from there.

Humane Societies also always appreciate monetary donations or pet supplies. If you don’t have any money to give, consider holding a fundraiser such as a pet-friendly bake sale or a dog wash event.

Volunteer at Local Shelters

Humane Societies and animal shelters are more than happy to accept the donation of your time. Again, these local organizations do a lot of good work to rescue animals and keep them safe — so by supporting them, you’re helping promote animal rights. Humane Societies often need volunteers to walk dogs, scoop litter boxes, handle administrative tasks, and more. 

Join the Conversation

Jump on social media to join the conversation using #AnimalRightsAwarenessWeek. This is a great way to educate others about animal rights — and you can keep the conversation going long after this week is over.