“Be Kind to Animals Week recognizes people whose love of animals has led them to take action to improve animals lives,” says Bill Torgerson,American Humane’s Vice President of animal programs.“This week especially, make a special point of thanking those who embody kindness through action.”

In honor of this week, we encourage all families to spend more time appreciating their companion animals. In addition, here are a few suggestions for ways to show kindness to the animals that don’t live in your house:

• Encourage family and friends to spay or neuter their pets

• Report animal abuse or neglect

• Volunteer at your local animal shelter