Better Life for Animals Blog

Recently, Heather Ripley, Founder and CEO of Ripley PR and Orange Orchard PR, was our featured expert on the Better Life for Animals Spotlight Masterclass. Heather delivered practical, real-world guidance on how animal sanctuaries can secure meaningful media coverage without massive budgets or full-time communications teams.   Before she even dove into strategy, she addressed […]

For many animal sanctuary leaders, the word “grant” carries a sense of hope. It represents the possibility of financial breathing room, expanded programs, safer facilities, and better care for the animals who depend on them.   It also carries a common misconception.   Too often, sanctuaries believe the path forward is to pursue the largest […]

By presenting animal products as essential, the new food pyramid normalizes higher consumption without transparency. This matters because most people already consume more than enough protein and saturated fat. The messaging isn’t neutral. It quietly supports industries that depend on keeping consumers disconnected from the consequences of their choices.

Education is one of the most powerful tools sanctuaries have to create change beyond their fences. Programs that teach compassion, critical thinking, and advocacy allow sanctuaries to help far more animals than they could ever house.

An e-book also creates opportunities to honor the people who make the work possible. Contributors, supporters, and donors can be acknowledged in ways that reinforce shared values and belonging.

When travelers book accommodations in your area, nearby, experiences are suggested to them at the exact moment they are planning how to spend their time.

Even with carefully prepared meals, digestion plays a huge role in how nutrients are absorbed. That’s why I include a probiotic and enzyme blend in my dogs’ meals.

To see so many elephants, each with a name and unique story, is to remember that their lives matter. These sculptures stand in solidarity with their real counterparts. They are reminders of resilience, community, and hope. For anyone who cherishes wildlife, this is an experience not to miss.

If you are still feeling the pull to start a sanctuary, begin by volunteering at one. See the day-to-day. Ask questions. Learn what happens when a cow falls ill or when a frightened horse injures itself during a thunderstorm. Talk to people who have had to rebuild after a storm. The unknowns are many. And without funding, they become even harder to manage.

Watch carefully for signs that an animal is overheating. Symptoms might include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, lethargy, or unusual behavior. Chickens may spread their wings to release heat. Pigs may stop moving or eating. If you see any of these signs, take action immediately. Move the animal to shade, offer cool water, and mist or sponge their body.

We are not the first movement to fight injustice. Look at what happened with tobacco. For decades, the industry buried facts, manipulated public opinion, and silenced critics. But advocates kept pushing until the truth came out.

Contrary to popular belief, running a sanctuary is not idyllic or easy. It is demanding, physical, and emotionally exhausting work. Caregivers rise before dawn to prepare special diets, clean and repair enclosures, monitor behaviors, and administer medications. The cost of care is high, and most sanctuaries operate on limited budgets fueled by donations and small grants.

For me, the journey into animal advocacy started with dogs. I wanted to keep them out of shelters, so I created Share A Dog, a free app connecting busy dog owners with part-time caregivers. But what began as a simple mission to help companion animals soon became something much bigger. I realized that all animals […]

Most people hear “animal sanctuaries” and picture rescued farm animals – cows, pigs, or chickens spared from slaughter. But countless sanctuaries are quietly devoted to the smallest and most overlooked companions: rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, and other domesticated animals. Too often viewed as temporary pets or “starter animals,” they are frequently bought on […]

While most people go about their daily routines, a quiet yet powerful movement is changing the fate of countless animals. In the places where nature and human compassion intersect, animal sanctuaries serve as lifelines, offering not just immediate care but lasting solutions for animals who have suffered neglect and abuse. – The journey from harm […]

For those of us fortunate enough to have lived long lives – to have raised a family, built a career, and experienced the world – there comes a moment when we ask ourselves, What’s next? I’ve been asking myself this for many years. As an animal lover, a devoted dog parent, and a passionate advocate […]

Interested in raising your kids on a plant-based diet, but not sure where to start?

How to talk to kids about veganism? or about animal welfare? It can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!

Read on to discover 7 reasons why you need to avoid aquariums this summer.

Summer break is fast approaching and it’s time to start planning an action-packed summer for your vegan family!