Grab your party hats! Friday, April 10, marks the ASPCA’s birthday and we’re thrilled to be celebrating 149 years of lifesaving work for animals across the country.

When ASPCA founder Henry Bergh first spoke up for animals, America was not a very animal-friendly place. But Bergh, a gifted orator with influential friends, rallied people to the cause and succeeded in getting the New York State Legislature to pass a charter officially incorporating the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) on April 10, 1866. Just nine days later, the first effective anti-cruelty law was passed and, with a team of three, the ASPCA went to work to enforce it. By the time Bergh died in 1888, 37 of the 38 states in the Union had passed anti-cruelty laws.

We’ve accomplished a great deal since then. From operating New York City’s first equine ambulance (two years before the City’s first ambulance for people) to our veterinary advancements during the 1920s to our recent accomplishments in Los Angeles, we have a proud history that continues today.

We’re honored to work every day to assist animals nationwide and we are proud of you, our supporters, for trusting and enabling us to do this important job. Thank you for fighting alongside us these 149 years!

This year, we hope you will wear your favorite orange apparel and join us in celebrating our birthday by taking some time to make a difference for the animals in your community. Consider donating your birthday to help raise money for at-risk animals, or becoming an ASPCA animal advocate to fight for stronger anti-cruelty laws in your state. You can even go orange for animals all April long to help us raise awareness for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! 

Want to celebrate with us further? Be sure to check out our full list of ways you can help spread the word about the ASPCA and the animals we serve on April 10 and all month long.