Our Current Initiatives
What we’re working on, right now
This Semester’s Theme:
Caring for Critters
Spreading awareness about animal welfare, including the support of rescue programs, ethical shelter conditions, and the care of domestic animals.
House Rabbit Society
This Semester’s Partnership
House Rabbit Society is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing best practices in domestic rabbit care through collaboration with volunteers, veterinarians, and rescue partners worldwide. Established in 1988, the organization provides accessible adoption services, veterinary treatment, and educational resources to support the health and well-being of domestic rabbits. Recognizing that domestic rabbits exist as a result of human domestication, House Rabbit Society promotes informed guardianship that values rabbits as intelligent, social companions deserving lifelong care. By coordinating volunteer-led initiatives such as foster placement, grooming assistance, medical aid, adoptions, and their Hop Shop, the organization implements a prevention-centered approach that strengthens rescue capacity and promotes ethical, community-based rabbit welfare (Our Story and Mission- House Rabbit Society).
CASE STUDY
Statistics from 2024 estimate that 10 million animals die from abuse or cruelty every year in the United States. Additionally, about 250,000 animals annually are found to be victims of animal hoarding, with most living in unsanitary conditions. (Animal abuse facts and statistics 2024). Not only do many animals face abuse while living domestically, shelter conditions can further contribute to poor quality of life for animals. There is a surplus of animals in shelters, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024 and the length of time animals are staying in the care of shelters before adoption is increasing. (U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics) Animal shelters and animal care organizations can not keep up with rates of intake, which can lead to euthanization and crowded shelters. (Animal shelters and animal welfare: Raising the bar)
To achieve a higher standard of animal welfare, we will focus on an education based approach to animal ownership while also supporting facilities with ethical conditions and strong rescue programs. Surrendered pets make up 29% of the reason animals enter shelters. (U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics) We can encourage more intentional adoption by spreading awareness about what it takes to give a pet a healthy life.
Promoting ethical shelters is critical to reduce the number of animals in shelters so that when people consider animal adoption they go to a shelter first. With a community-based and informative approach we will use our platform to advocate for organizations that prioritize animal welfare.
Join us in our mission to spread awareness about animal welfare and support rescue programs, ethical shelter conditions, and the care of domestic animals. Stay updated with EthiCAL Apparel this semester to learn more!
