SPAY AND NEUTER. Routine surgical procedures that prevent animals from reproducing are the answers to a large portion of the homeless animal problem. Not only do spaying and neutering prevent overpopulation, they are also of benefit to the animals: studies show spayed and neutered animals live longer, healthier lives and have fewer medical and behavioral problems. For more information, visit www.spayusa.org.

ADOPT OR RESCUE. Choose your next pet from a local shelter, which has many wonderful dogs and cats of different shapes and sizes just waiting for a permanent, loving home. If your mind is made up on a specific breed, contact a reputable breed-specific rescue organization. For information on pet adoption, shelters in your area, rescue organizations and pets in need of a loving home, visit www.petfinder.com.

BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER. Keep current identification on your dog or cat at all times. Spay or neuter your pet. Always keep your dog or cat properly confined or supervised. In addition to the basics—food, water, shelter, and veterinary care—give your pet lots of love and attention. For guidance on pet care, visit www.PetsforLife.org.

MAKE A DONATION TO YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER. Donate food, old blankets and towels or other needed supplies. Contribute to one of its special programs. To locate your nearest shelter, visit www.Pets911.com.

LEND A HAND. Volunteer your time at your local shelter. Bathe and groom the animals, walk dogs or play with cats. Stuff envelopes for a mailing. Help publicize an event. Contact your local shelter to find out what volunteer opportunities are available or look up volunteer information at www.Pets911.com or www.VolunteerMatch.org.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD. Tell your friends about your local shelter's services. Promote animal safety and responsible pet ownership. Don't forget to put a Doubledog euro sticker on your car to let the world know you care!

VOTE FOR THE ANIMALS. Support legislation to protect animals. Contact government officials about animal issues and urge them to support pro-animal legislation. To learn how, visit the Citizen Lobbyist Center at www.HSUS.org.

BE A HERO. Report animal cruelty and neglect as well as injured or stray animals. You may prevent suffering and even save a life. For more information, visit www.HSUS.org.