ASPCA Promotes Fostering and Adoption of Equines Amid COVID-19 Crisis

NEW YORK—As animal shelters and equine rescues face growing challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced the launch of a nationwide campaign calling on the public to open their hearts (and barns) to horses in need. In advance of national Help a Horse Day on April 26, The Right Horse Initiative, a program of the ASPCA, is encouraging individuals to foster or adopt one of the many horses, mules and donkeys in transition nationwide as they move from one home, career, or owner to the next.

Across the country, reduced staff and volunteer support, difficulty accessing resources and supplies, and the need to engage in social distancing have placed new challenges on shelters and rescues as they continue to care for homeless equines. Additionally, financial uncertainty and challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis means many horse owners may be forced to rehome their animals, making both foster and adoptive homes more critical than ever.

“Like dogs and cats, horses are also in desperate need of fostering to both protect their lives and ease the stress on shelters and rescues caused by the pandemic’s unprecedented impact,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "We're proud to support the many equine organizations whose work and compassion will give countless vulnerable horses lifesaving chances for placement in loving homes and new careers.”

To help individuals more easily connect with horses in need of temporary foster homes, the ASPCA is updating its online adoption platform, MyRightHorse.org, to spotlight horses available for fostering. The site, previously focused solely on encouraging adoption, now includes a re-branded homepage, opportunities to inquire about specific horses and resources about fostering. Those unable to foster or adopt are encouraged to get involved by sharing an available horse from MyRightHorse.org on their social media channels to help spread the word and find a home.

“The ASPCA is committed to supporting the many groups around the country working tirelessly to help more horses find loving temporary or adoptive homes amid the devastating COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of ASPCA Equine Welfare. “By helping one horse find a home, multiple lives are saved by keeping the doors open to the next horse in need. Together, we can urgently improve the lives of countless horses through fostering, adopting and increasing public awareness.”

To foster or adopt an equine, please visit MyRightHorse.org and access tools here to advocate for horses in need of homes. For more information about the ASPCA’s efforts to help horses, please visit aspca.org.