With the 119th Congress underway and Donald Trump reentering the White House, AWI staff are hard at work advancing protections for animals within the United States and abroad.

As we establish our legislative, administrative, and legal priorities for the year ahead, we invite you to join us on Thursday, February 6, at 1 p.m. ET for a webinar to help set the stage for 2025 and beyond. During our hour together, AWI program staff will provide an overview of five key animal welfare laws in the United States, discuss our goals for the year, and outline how you can get involved, too.

Part of the classic image of deer often includes them munching on a twig, fallen fruit, or wandering a field. That question has to be posed: how readily available are food resources for them in the winter, and can we (humans) safely help supplement? Whether you designate a feeding station, scatter them in your yard, or grow your own, nuts are a great way to invite the local deer into your yard.

It's always big news when Ohio is mentioned nationally. This time around it's been big MEWS. Holly, a 12 year old feline, has been featured in Newsweek due to losing her home of 10 years when her owners fell ill. We want to make sure she stays on your radar and hopefully finds her way to a loving home.

Red Rover and Greater Good are conducting webinar on 1/23/25 from 2 - 3:30 EST on how to apply for grants to provide shelter for pets in crisis situations.  As funding for safe havens are limited, this is a critical workshop to hone your organization's skills in obtaining this necessary funding to help families and their pets.

Ohio wildlife enthusiasts, start 2025 off right by joining us at the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Division of Wildlife, District One Office, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH. This gathering offers a chance to stay informed about wildlife updates, enforcement efforts, and plans for the upcoming year.

This year, we’re spotlighting a book that challenges traditional narratives in animal welfare and shines a light on the intersection of social justice and rescue work. Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets by Carol Mithers is a compelling exploration of how compassion can transcend societal boundaries, addressing two pressing issues of our time: poverty and homelessness

As we welcome the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the difference we’ve made for animals and the opportunities ahead to create an even brighter future for them. At Ohio Animal Advocates, we’re filled with gratitude for your support and the compassion you’ve shown throughout the past year. Together, we’ve worked to ensure animals across Ohio receive the love, care, and protection they deserve.

The holiday season is a time of giving, love, and togetherness—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the joy that animals bring to our lives and how we can give back to them. OAA invites you to join us in making a difference for animals across Ohio this holiday season.

After decades of advocacy and a hard-fought legal battle, 23 chimpanzees owned by the U.S. government will finally retire to the lush sanctuary of Chimp Haven. These chimpanzees, who endured years of painful biomedical experiments, will now experience the freedom and care they deserve.

Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to highlight an incredible milestone for The Cocoon—a new outdoor Dog Run that enhances their emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This vital addition reflects The Cocoon’s dedication to providing trauma-informed, safe spaces where survivors can begin their healing journey without being separated from their beloved companion animals.

Every year, thousands of animals—including dogs and monkeys—are used in research laboratories. In 2024 alone, countless animals endured lives of confinement and experiments, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ohio Animal Advocates stands alongside other leading agencies, including the National Anti-Vivisection Society and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in our fundamental belief that the future of science is humane. By promoting innovative alternatives to animal testing, we are paving the way for research methods that are not only more ethical but also more effective.

Your support means everything. You’ve given a voice to the voiceless and made strides toward a better world for animals and humans alike. From all of us at OAA, thank you for making this year’s Giving Tuesday such a success. We wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season.