Summary:

Who we are:

Have you ever wondered what happens to cats and dogs whose owners are unable to afford veterinary care? We did. The ASPCA’s Community Medicine (CM) team provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through our stationary and mobile veterinary clinics, serving the most underserved communities in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. We help pet owners overcome barriers to care, bringing quality services directly to the communities that need us most and partially or fully subsidizing the cost of basic and preventive care. CM treats people and pets with dignity and respect, assisting pet owners in making informed decisions about their pets’ health and wellbeing regardless of their financial circumstances. When you come to work at the ASPCA, you join a team of over 1,000 dedicated colleagues with deep knowledge, skills, and passion for the animals we serve.

What you’ll do:
The Patient Liaison (PL) is a vital member of our team who works directly with clients and the medical teams to ensure seamless delivery of services and a judgement free, high-quality experience for all. The PL schedules medical appointments, welcomes clients to the clinic, answers questions about our program, assists with data entry and collects payments for services. The PL is the trusted source of information and support for families seeking assistance for their pets.  

What you’ll get:

Work/life balance:

paid vacation time to relax

paid sick time to heal

ten paid holidays to observe

plus - paid personal time off to celebrate what and when you like

Terrific benefits package: medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax dependent care and health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions beginning after one year of service, employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance and more (note that benefits are reviewed and subject to change annually)

Room to grow: the ASPCA has robust professional development programs to help you grow as a professional

Support: we are one of the largest and most impactful animal welfare organizations in the world, so you will always have a strong team to lean on and cheer you on

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Compensation:

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

The target hiring range for this role is $26.85 - $28.29 / hour

Work Schedule:

This is typically a Monday – Friday, 8 hour schedule with flexibility to work occasionally beyond the scheduled
work day. This is an on-site position based at the Carson Community Veterinary Clinic. Occasional flexibility in reporting to other ASPCA locations throughout the Greater LA Area may be required based on operational need.

Responsibilities:

Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Customer Service

Work as part of a team to create a consistently excellent, welcoming client experience

Greet clients, answer questions, schedule appointments and assist with patient intake

Maintain a clean, stocked and organized lobby

Manage client check-in to ensure smooth/efficient intake process

Accurately and efficiently enter client and patient information into database

Provide and/or coordinate interpretation and translation as needed and support client’s ability to fully understand all medical procedures, options, and decisions

Provide clients with referrals to external agencies/partners

Manage service area eligibility and communicate costs associate with visit if applicable

Process payment transactions and ensure cash register is balanced daily

Complete follow-up and reminder calls/text messages, and coordinate other services as needed

Participate in grassroots community outreach to connect services with clients who need them including participating in ASPCA and CM events and tabling at other community events

Medical Support

Prepare exam room(s) for use and escort and welcome clients into exam rooms

Assist with outpatient exams by taking patient medical history

Scribe medical records to support surgery flow

Dischargepatients, discuss post-operative instructions and supply appropriate paperwork or digital medical record

Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and clean/disinfect endotracheal tubes as needed to support medical services

Clean and disinfect animal areas (exam tables, scales, kennels) throughout the clinic day, following CM standard operating procedures and utilizing appropriate and personal protective equipment

Receive mail and packages and restock medical supplies

Assist medical team with translation service coordination as needed

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Outstanding customer service skills

Ability to stay calm under pressure and deescalate conflict in a positive and professional manner

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Ability to work standing for 8 or more hours

Agile and flexible work style to support a fast-paced work environment

Experience using a computer and navigating software applications

High degree of integrity and accountability, as well as a desire to carry out the ASPCA’s mission

Highly organized, with attention to detail

Ability to perform timely and accurate data entry

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required

Customer service experience required; experience in veterinary medical setting strongly preferred

Experience serving diverse communities preferred

Language:

English required

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Language:

English (Required), Spanish

Education and Work Experience:

Bachelors

About the company

ASPCA is a non-profit organization that works to prevent cruelty to animals. It operates through programs and activities aimed at helping pets and their caregivers, improving outcomes for animals at risk, and assisting victims of abuse. The group holds the unique ability to investigate crimes against animals and to make arrests, using nonviolent methods to fulfill its mission. It focuses on education, rescue and care, shelter support, advocacy, and public policy to reduce animal cruelty. Founded in 1866 and based in New York City, its goal is to stop animal cruelty and improve animal welfare across communities.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$200K

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1866

Get referred to ASPCA

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

ASPCA opened Carson clinic July 29, 2026, serving tens of thousands yearly.
July 15, 2026 Rescue Effect offers $2 million grants across 450 shelters.
August 19, 2026 Screwworm outbreak response reinforces ASPCA's disaster-response relevance.

What critics are saying

Former CFO Gordon Lavalette sued ASPCA in May 2025 over retaliation and donor spending.
Watchdog criticism over 2024 finances and $1.1 million CEO pay threatens donor trust.
If governance headlines persist into 2027, major donors and corporate partners will defect.

What makes ASPCA unique

ASPCA combines clinics, disaster response, and legal advocacy under one national brand.
Its 2026 Carson clinic extends affordable care to underserved Los Angeles pet owners.
ShopKind and Rescue Effect turn consumer behavior into shelter adoptions and welfare reform.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Continuing Education Stipend
Paid Holidays
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Life Insurance
Long-term Disability Insurance

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

10%

1 year growth

11%

2 year growth

11%

PR Newswire

Oct 27th, 2026

Justin Theroux joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to encourage pet adoption during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Justin Theroux joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to encourage pet adoption during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Oct 27, 2026, 12:12 ET The actor and animal advocate, joined by his adopted dog Kuma, helps spotlight millions of animals available for adoption and dispel unfair myths about pit bulls NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - To coincide with Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) announced the addition of actor and animal advocate Justin Theroux as an ambassador for The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA's national campaign helping more animals find homes. The Rescue Effect showcases the lifesaving impact pet adoption and fostering can have on shelters by freeing up space and resources to help more animals in need. Justin and his adopted dog Kuma debuted their participation with an editorial-style portrait series and accompanying video featured across the ASPCA's website and social media to inspire more people to adopt and foster dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Many shelters across the country are at capacity with nearly three million dogs entering shelters and rescues in 2025, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in their care before being adopted. According to a nationwide ASPCA survey, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe pets bring a multitude of benefits to their lives, including reducing loneliness and boosting happiness levels. Additionally, most Americans favor large dogs, even though large dogs in shelters are often overlooked due to misconceptions about their size. A lifelong owner of rescue dogs, Kuma is Justin's fifth pit bull. He first started falling in love with pit bulls after realizing how misunderstood they are, which inspired his advocacy work to speak out against breed discrimination, and highlight the challenges that dogs in shelters are facing nationwide. Justin adopted Kuma in 2018 from a Texas shelter that rescued her in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Since then, Kuma has become a star in her own right, boasting more than 78,000 followers on her Instagram, and frequently joins Justin to advocate for pet adoption, using her platform to change people's minds on what a pit bull can be. "I've had dogs my whole life and the preconceptions people have about pit bulls can be life-threatening for dogs like Kuma, who are loving, kind and loyal. She's an incredible ambassador for the breed, and I encourage adopters to open not just their doors, but their hearts and minds to an animal in need," said Justin Theroux. "Kuma's rescue effect on me has been life changing - oftentimes I go to bed thinking about how blessed I am to have her in my life. When we help one animal, we help many more and I'm proud to join the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to bring attention to dogs of all breeds who are waiting for someone to give them a second chance." In addition to supporting pet adoption, Justin has also fostered several dogs. Adoption and fostering put shelter animals in safe and loving homes, help shelters conserve their space and resources and provide people with companionship. Fostering is unique in that it gives animals the chance to decompress outside of the shelter and experience life in a loving home. "Some animals in shelters are often overlooked due to misconceptions about their breed, age or size, and Justin's commitment to advocating for the most vulnerable animals is a wonderful reminder that the best way to make a good choice when adopting a dog is to base that choice on the dog's personality and behavior rather than their breed - you might be surprised to find that your perfect match is an animal you didn't initially consider," said Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA. "Choosing adoption, like Justin, helps the animal you take home while also freeing up space and resources so that shelters can help other animals in need, and if you can't adopt, we encourage the public to consider temporarily fostering, which also provides lifesaving support." Launched in August and continuing through Adopt a Shelter Dog Month this October, hundreds of shelters and rescues nationwide are participating in this year's Rescue Effect campaign to engage more adopters and reduce the time animals spend waiting for loving homes. As part of this year's campaign, the ASPCA once again provided $2 million in grant funding to help 200 participating shelters waive adoption fees and support their operating costs, giving more animals the chance to find loving homes. Join the conversation on social media by using #TheRescueEffect and tagging the ASPCA or share a photo of your adopted pet through the ASPCA's Rescue Effect "Add Yours" Instagram Stories prompt, inspired by Justin and Kuma. About the ASPCA(R) The ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For 160 years, we've been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. SOURCE ASPCA Note to editors. EDITOR'S NOTE: Images & b-roll (https://aspca.box.com/s/g6m32mnxiftll5x0rnlkheqs8o5npi6e) (credit - ASPCA(R)

Auto World

Oct 24th, 2026

Subaru, ASPCA, and iHeartMedia expand animal shelter partnership with $25,000 donation and national broadcast campaign.

Subaru, ASPCA, and iHeartMedia expand animal shelter partnership with $25,000 donation and national broadcast campaign. The three-way collaboration adds fresh funding and nationwide radio reach to Subaru's 19-year commitment to shelter pet adoption, timed to the eighth annual National Make A Dog's Day on October 22. By AutoWorld Editorial · Oct 24, 2026 Updated Oct 24, 2026 Subaru of America, the ASPCA, and iHeartMedia have announced an expanded collaboration aimed at improving the lives of shelter animals across the United States, according to a press release published on the Subaru Media Center website. The announcement includes an additional $25,000 donation to the ASPCA and a national broadcast initiative through iHeartImpact, iHeartMedia's community impact division. The expanded partnership builds on a relationship between Subaru and the ASPCA that the release dates to 2008, when it began through the Subaru Share the Love Event. The press release describes Subaru as the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA and states that, through its Subaru Loves Pets initiative, the automaker and its retailers have donated more than $75 million to national and local pet-focused organizations, supporting the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of more than 900,000 animals. The timing of the announcement aligns with Subaru's annual October campaign, during which retailers partner with local animal welfare organizations to help prepare shelter pets for adoption using ASPCA-administered grants and community events. Central to this year's effort is the eighth annual National Make A Dog's Day, observed on October 22, a day the release says Subaru created to encourage people to do something special for their dogs and to consider adopting, fostering, or otherwise supporting animals the brand calls "Underdogs" - older and disabled dogs who, according to the release, are often overlooked and spend longer periods waiting in shelters. The $25,000 donation was made possible through the iHeartImpact program, which the release describes as a structure enabling corporate brands to direct a portion of their advertising spending toward nonprofit partners. On the media side, iHeartMedia and iHeartImpact will support a national broadcast campaign designed to drive awareness of shelter pet adoption and fostering. The release states that iHeartMedia reaches nine out of ten Americans each month. The ASPCA cited figures from 2025 indicating that 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues that year, underscoring what the release characterizes as ongoing and significant demand for adoption and fostering support. Subaru's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Alan Bethke, was quoted in the release emphasizing the impact of the partnership on vulnerable animals. The ASPCA's Director of Corporate Partnerships, Meredith Galli, expressed gratitude for the donation and said it would help strengthen the organization's efforts to create better outcomes for animals nationwide. The President of iHeartMedia's National Media Team, Jenna Craig, highlighted the potential reach of the campaign across the company's audience. More information about Subaru's shelter animal programs is available at Subaru.com/pets, according to the release. Source & attribution Subaru Media Center · Originally published Oct 18, 2026 autoworld-oem-daily

CSR Company

Oct 20th, 2026

Subaru, the ASPCA(R), and iheartmedia expand partnership to support shelter animals through additional $25,000 donation and National Media campaign.

Subaru, the ASPCA(R), and iheartmedia expand partnership to support shelter animals through additional $25,000 donation and National Media campaign. CAMDEN, N.J., October 19, 2026 /3BL/ - Subaru of America, through its Subaru Loves Pets(R) initiative, together with iHeartImpact, a community impact division of iHeartMedia designed to help corporate brands partner with nonprofits through their advertising spends with iHeartMedia, today announced an expanded collaboration with the ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) to help improve the lives of shelter animals across the country. As part of the partnership, Subaru donated an additional $25,000 to support their ongoing commitment to helping shelter animals find loving homes. This collaboration builds upon Subaru's 19-year partnership with the ASPCA, which began in 2008 through the Subaru Share the Love(R) Event. Through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, Subaru and its retailers are committed to improving the lives of as many shelter animals as possible and are proud to be the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA. With more than $75 million donated to national and local pet-focused organizations, they have supported the adoption, rescue, transport and health of more than 900,000 animals. Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.: "Subaru and our national network of retailers are fortunate enough to partner with the ASPCA and to see the profound impact that a pet's unconditional love can have on peoples' lives. With this additional donation and recognition from iHeartMedia, the work we are doing together as part of Subaru Loves Pets will go even further to support the most vulnerable animals in need, and to help shelter animals find loving homes." Every October, Subaru retailers partner with local animal welfare organizations to help prepare shelter pets for adoption through ASPCA-administered grants and a series of pet-focused events held in communities across the country. As part of this year's campaign, Subaru will celebrate its eighth annual National Make A Dog's Day on October 22 - a day created by Subaru to encourage dog lovers nationwide to do something special for their dogs while inspiring more people to consider adopting, fostering or supporting an Underdog as a life-changing way to Make A Dog's Day. Subaru is especially passionate about supporting older and disabled dogs - affectionally called the "Underdogs" - who are often overlooked and spend more time waiting in shelters to find loving homes. Meredith Galli, Director of Corporate Partnerships, ASPCA: "The ASPCA is proud to be the recipient of this generous donation from iHeartImpact, made possible through our longstanding partnership with Subaru of America. We are thankful to Subaru for selecting the ASPCA as the beneficiary of this gift, which will help strengthen our efforts to create better outcomes for vulnerable animals nationwide." The need remains significant. According to the ASPCA, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2025, with many waiting day after day for the chance to find a loving home. Together, Subaru, the ASPCA and iHeartImpact aim to inspire more people to support shelter animals while expanding awareness of Subaru's long-standing commitment to pet adoption and welfare. Through the partnership, iHeartMedia and iHeartImpact will help expand the reach of Subaru's October campaign with a national broadcast initiative designed to encourage audiences across the country to learn more about shelter pet adoption and fostering. Jenna Craig, President, National Media Team, iHeartMedia: "National Make A Dog's Day is a powerful reminder of the impact each of us can have on the lives of shelter animals. As a media partner that reaches 9 out of 10 Americans every month, we're proud to collaborate with Subaru and the ASPCA to help bring this message to our audiences nationwide and inspire more people to adopt, foster, and support pets waiting for a second chance." About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise(R), which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $357 million to causes that Subaru and its customers care about, and Subaru employees have logged more than 130,000 volunteer hours. Through these actions and more, Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company(R) and to making the world a better place. About the ASPCA The ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For 160 years, Csr Company has been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, Csr Company assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, its commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. About iHeartMedia, Inc. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information. Diane Anton Corporate Communications Manager (856) 488-5093 [email protected] Adam Leiter Corporate Communications Specialist (856) 488-8668 [email protected]

Williamson Source

Oct 7th, 2026

Darrell Waltrip Subaru, ASPCA team up for Williamson County pet adoptions.

Darrell Waltrip Subaru, ASPCA team up for Williamson County pet adoptions. October 7, 2026 Williamson County Animal Center is teaming up with Darrell Waltrip Subaru, the ASPCA and Friends of WCAC throughout October to promote pet adoptions and veterinary care. As part of the annual partnership, approved adopters will have the chance to have their adoption sponsored through a fish bowl-style drawing during the month. For those who do not win, regular adoption fees are $50 for kittens, adult cats and adult dogs, and $85 for puppies. Darrell Waltrip Subaru will also cover the cost of the first 50 rabies vaccinations and 15 microchips at WCAC's monthly clinic on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The vaccinations are normally valued at $10, while microchips are valued at $15. Pre-registration is required for the clinic and is available through the Williamson County Animal Center website. "Supporting ASPCA and Friends of WCAC means so much to me and my team because every animal deserves safety, care, and love," Darrell Waltrip Subaru General Manager Jimmy Harris said. "I'm grateful for the incredible work these organizations do that gives animals a second chance and brings hope to our communities." WCAC Director Ondrea Johnson said the partnership allows the animal center to expand beyond its typical shelter services. "Life is better for the animals and people living in Williamson County because of Darrell Waltrip Subaru and ASPCA," Johnson said. "We are able to engage community members and care for animals in ways that are only possible because of their generosity." Williamson County Animal Center is located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court in Franklin. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sundays, and hours may vary due to holidays.

ASPCA

Sep 8th, 2026

Meet the inspiring 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards recipients.

Meet the inspiring 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards recipients. September 8, 2026 Every year at the ASPCA Humane Awards, ASPCA honor both people and animal heroes from across the country who have gone above and beyond to bring attention to animal welfare and better the lives of those around them. This year's honorees include miniature therapy horses Aiden and Pearl, Kid of the Year Eloise "Lulu" Peck, farm animal welfare advocate Craig Watts, New York City Police Department Mounted Unit's Detective Kyle McLaughlin, Dog of the Year Canyon, and Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD). Their efforts range from being deployed to the harshest conditions to assist search-and-rescue and recovery efforts to bring closure to families; exposing harmful animal welfare concerns within the poultry industry; keeping its communities safe; spreading compassion and kindness; and touching the lives of individuals struggling with grief, crisis and terminal illness. The 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards will recognize these powerful contributions at the annual luncheon at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on Thursday, October 8, 2026. "Animals show us extraordinary courage, resilience and an incredible capacity to trust and connect," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "The ASPCA Humane Awards celebrate remarkable animals whose stories inspire us and remind us why protecting and caring for animals matters so deeply." The ASPCA winners were selected in six categories, including ASPCA Equine Welfare Award, ASPCA Kid of the Year, ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare Award, ASPCA Public Service Award, ASPCA Dog of the Year and the ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, named after the ASPCA's founder, which is given to an individual or institution exhibiting exceptional leadership, compassion and commitment to animal welfare. ASPCA Equine Welfare Award - Aiden and Pearl. For more than a decade, Aiden, a 16-year-old gelding, and Pearl, an 18-year-old mare, have brought comfort, connection and joy to thousands across New York as HorseAbility's beloved miniature therapy horses. HorseAbility is a nonprofit that improves the lives of individuals with special needs through equine-assisted services. This calm, adaptable pair travels together to hospitals, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation centers providing therapeutic interactions for individuals facing physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. Confidently navigating elevators, wheelchairs and medical equipment, Aiden and Pearl demonstrate the profound impact horses have on human healing, companionship and emotional well-being. ASPCA Kid of the Year - Eloise Peck. Eloise "Lulu" Peck, named after the beloved character from Eloise at the Plaza, touched everyone around her with an extraordinary love for animals, compassion and an open heart. She delighted in befriending every creature she met - a spirit best captured by her pre-camp lemonade stand sign: "Lemonade is $5. Dogs Drink Free." At just 8 years old, Eloise was one of the young lives lost in the devastating floods near Camp Mystic in Texas in July 2025. To honor her legacy, her family established the Living for Lulu Foundation to continue her mission of inspiring kindness and caring for animals in need. ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare Award - Craig Watts. Craig Watts is a leading advocate for farm animal welfare and contract poultry farmers. A former contract chicken grower for Perdue, he partnered with Compassion in World Farming USA in 2014 to expose industry practices and animal welfare concerns, earning national coverage in The New York Times and more. Today, Craig serves as Contract Grower Transition Program Director for the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project (SRAP), helping farmers transition away from industrial animal agriculture and toward sustainable, humane alternatives. He lives with his wife and three children, alongside two dogs (Bean and Sue), five goats (Bandit, Jimmy, Reva, Gabby and George), and several chickens and ducks. ASPCA Public Service Award - Detective Kyle McLaughlin. Det. Kyle McLaughlin, a 13-year NYPD veteran with the Mounted Unit, patrols New York City's five boroughs alongside his equine partner, Kelly, a rescued Standardbred. Paired in 2020, the duo provides a visible, approachable presence at public events, parades and daily patrols, showcasing the powerful impact of giving rescued animals a second chance to thrive. In April 2026, their remarkable bond drew national attention when they pursued a fleeing suspected purse thief on horseback through Manhattan's Upper West Side, leading to a swift apprehension caught on bodycam. Det. McLaughlin's dedication to public safety, compassion for animals and extraordinary partnership with Kelly exemplifies the profound bond between humans and animals. Off duty, he lives with his wife, four children, a golden retriever named Ryker, and three adopted cats: Tito, Taco and Shay. ASPCA Dog of the Year - Canyon. Rescued as a Mississippi stray and brought to the Hancock County Animal Shelter in 2021, Canyon was placed with Category 5 K9 after a handler spotted his exceptional intelligence and drive. Following months of medical care, he earned dual certifications in 2023 through FEMA for Human Remains Detection and the International Police Work Dog Association for wilderness operations. As a premier search-and-rescue canine, Canyon has deployed to major disasters like the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene and the 2025 Texas floods - where he spent over 90 days searching along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic. Alongside his handler, he has also assisted in numerous missing persons and homicide investigations, helping bring answers and closure to families during their most difficult moments. From shelter dog to highly skilled working canine, Canyon exemplifies the resilience, dedication and lifesaving impact that dogs can have when given a second chance. ASPCA Henry Bergh Award - Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD). Founded in Summit County, Colorado in the early 1990s, Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) is a pioneering nonprofit uniting canine teams, ski patrols, search-and-rescue organizations, law enforcement and aviation partners to improve survival outcomes for people caught in avalanches. What began as a small coalition of handlers and agencies has grown into a nationally respected organization that trains and supports avalanche dog teams throughout the western United States and Canada. Through rigorous cross-agency training and specialized dog handler teams, C-RAD sets the standard for alpine search-and-rescue, performing lifesaving deployments in extreme winter conditions. The organization's success is a testament to the remarkable bond between humans and animals, demonstrating how highly trained dogs and their handlers can work together to accomplish lifesaving feats in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.