
Save lives without spending a penny
Billions of animals lose their lives each year for human use—a number so staggering it’s hard to wrap your head around. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. Whether volunteering, sharing vegan vibes on social media, or simply spreading the word, there are countless ways to make a difference.
And guess what? Some won’t cost you a dime.
Ready to be part of the change? Let’s dig in.
IN THIS GUIDE

A donkey and staff members at The Donkey Clinic in Ethiopia / Source
1. Live vegan
First and foremost, it's about the animals.
Most of us love animals. What better way to show that love than by leaving them off of our plates and out of our closets, medicine cabinets, and showers? Going vegan is the most important thing you can do to help animals. Plus, it will have a significant, immediate impact.
Humans use animals in millions of ways, some more obvious than others. Removing animal products from your life isn't impossible, but it does take some knowledge and practice. The good news is that the more you know, the easier it is.
These guides will show you how.
2. Start a vegan blog
Blogging as activism
Sharing our vegan voices is one of the most important ways we can advocate for animals. Writing a vegan blog is perfect for that.
Most people don't want to hurt animals. They don't realize that a non-vegan lifestyle does that. Exposing people to veganism allows them to make informed choices that are more aligned with their own beliefs. And it helps animals.
I know that talking about domain names, hosting plans, themes, and plugins can get confusing. That's why I've put together a step-by-step tutorial on how to start a vegan blog to walk you through the process.
Starting a vegan website is a great way to combine your love of animals and vegan activism. Begin a blog that matters today.
3. Have an animal-friendly home and garden
Roll out the welcome mat for all the animals
Perhaps the most straightforward action on this list is also the most important. Make your home and garden animal-friendly.
For inside animals: Keep them safe by using non-toxic household cleaners. Check all houseplants to make sure they aren't poisonous if ingested. Provide ample space to play with toys to help stimulate their minds.
Turn off the lights! Doing so helps reduce the estimated 100 million birds who die every year from collisions. For large windows, apply window film in a pattern to prevent birds from hitting them.
I recommend Collide Escape. It's the only bird collision prevention film on the market that is certified to permanently stop all migratory, startled flight and territorial aggression bird collisions with glass. It's guaranteed.
Help animals by not using pesticides or insecticides on your lawn. Provide water, food, and shelter for birds, bees, and other keystone pollinators. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden.
4. Adopt, don't shop
Because adoption saves lives
Don't purchase animals from pet stores or breeders. Millions of animals die every year in shelters and on the streets. Instead of shopping for a companion, adopt a homeless animal.
5. Spay and neuter companion animals
Snip the problem, don't let it multiply
Spaying and neutering companion animals prevent the suffering of countless animals who might otherwise be born into overpopulation, neglect, or euthanasia. By reducing the number of unwanted animals, we eliminate the demand for exploitative breeding practices and help break the cycle of homelessness.
6. Avoid circuses, rodeos, and state fairs
It's only fun on your side of the cage
Do not attend — or take children to — circuses, rodeos, or state fairs that use animals as entertainment. Often, these places contain abuse, neglect, and horrible conditions for animals.
These places can be a busy hub of activity, and parents might worry that skipping them mean their children are missing out. Not so. There are plenty of alternatives that help children connect and learn more about animals, such as visiting an animal sanctuary.
Here is a handy guide to family-friendly alternatives.
7. Avoid zoos and aquariums
AKA prisons for animals
Do not attend — or take children to — zoos, petting zoos, aquariums, or marine parks.
Despite their commonly cited benefits, these places are no home for animals. Even at their best, they can't replicate or replace animals’ natural habitats. Animals spend lives locked in cages, unable to run, roam, fly, climb, or forage. This point is especially relevant because they're prevented from choosing a mate, raising a family, and being with others of their species.
Much like other places that use animals as entertainment, zoos, and aquariums can be a busy hub of activity. As a result, parents might worry that skipping them means that their children are missing out. Not so.
Animal sanctuaries are veganism’s greatest advocates and the perfect alternative to visiting a zoo. They are a physical space that allows people to “connect with animals” in a way that zoos and places like them cannot replace.
Visitors can interact with animals in a peaceful and natural setting, allowing a greater understanding of their lives as individuals. Find an animal sanctuary near you.
8. Don't wear fur, leather, or animal skins
Because fashion should come at the cost of a life
Clothing made from animal products tends to be overlooked by many people because it's production doesn't require the death of an animal. Like fur, for example. Rather, this is untrue.
As a result of lessening productivity, every single shorn sheep, goat, or rabbit will face slaughter. In the end, all of the animals die. There's a better way.
Vegan fashion - animal-free clothing, shoes, and accessories - have never been more accessible, or more fashionable.
Before you go shopping, learn about the lives of the animals we use as fabric and accessories. Get everything you need to know in this vegan fashion guide.
9. Buy cruelty-free products
Shop kind, not cruel
Use your dollars to send a strong message that animal testing is outdated and unnecessary. Be sure to support only those companies committed to no animal testing.
Find the most up-to-date list of cruelty-free companies and a free shopping guide at LeapingBunny.org.
10. Use a charitable search engine
Search with purpose—turn clicks into change
Use GoodSearch.com when you browse the internet or shop online.
GoodSearch.com is a search engine that donates money to the charity every time you use it. You get to pick the charity.
It's free to use and there's no cost to you.
11. Write letters, emails, and sign petitions
Your voice matters—write, click, and make change happen
We live in a special time. The opportunity to make a difference is higher than at any time in history.
Gathering people behind a cause used to be difficult. It required lots of time and money. Not anymore. Technology has made the world more connected than ever before.
No one is powerless. Creating change can be a part of everyday life. Start a petition or find one to support at Change.org.
12. Organize or attend a public protest
Take to the streets for animals
Engage with the public and help to educate the people about veganism. Be kind, respectful, but unapologetic. Vegans are changing the world.
13. Organize a leafleting event
Hand out hope: leaflet for a kinder world
Leafleting—passing out information about veganism—is a standard way that advocates promote veganism. Vegan Outreach passed out almost 3 million leaflets in 2012 alone; other groups have passed out millions more.
Leafleting works, too.
It started in the fall of 2012. Compassionate Communities teamed up with The Humane League to measure the impact of leafleting on college campuses.
RELATED READING: The Powerful Impact of College Leafleting
What happened next, according to the study, was terrific. For every 100 leaflets distributed, an estimated 50 animals a year are spared. That works out to one animal for every two leaflets distributed!
If you plan to do a leaflet, there are a few things to know first.
In the US, the First Amendment grants you the right to leaflet on public property. This includes public sidewalks, state-funded universities and community colleges, and any public streets that go through college campuses.
You may also have the right to leave a leaflet at festivals held on public property. If you are ever asked to stop by the police, go. You should not encounter any issues as long as you stay in public areas.
14. Host screenings of vegan documentaries and vegan movies
Watch TV for animals
A picture can be worth a thousand words. A feature-length film? Lots and lots of words.
Help animals by hosting a movie night that features a vegan movie. Host them at the local library, university, cinema, movie theater, or even in a living room.
You'll need things like a projector, screen, DVD player, and the cords to connect everything. Also, consider using a microphone to welcome people, introduce the film, and answer questions at the end.
Discover titles to share in Vegan Flicks, a library filled with TV shows, films, movies, documentaries for the compassionate vegan and vegan-curious. Finally, it features a separate guide on what’s currently streaming on Netflix.
15. Object to animal dissections
No blades, no victims
Objecting to animal dissection in your science class or degree program rejects the use of animals as disposable tools for education. Advanced alternatives like virtual simulations and synthetic models are scientifically superior and align with a future that values progress over exploitation. Choosing these methods isn’t just ethical—it’s a demand for science to evolve beyond outdated, harmful practices.
Find alternatives that help animals you can bring to class: www.interniche.org.
16. Request vegan lunches
Push for plants
Pushing your school, university, or cafeteria to offer more vegan options challenges the normalization of animal exploitation in everyday spaces.
RELATED READING: Incorporating vegan food into your school lunch program
By advocating for plant-based meals, you’re not only expanding choices but also reducing demand for industries that harm animals. It’s a direct way to create systemic change and make plant-based eating accessible to everyone.
17. Prepare your phone
Don’t let a random tragedy remind you that you could have been more prepared
Be ready to act fast if you find an animal in need. Save lives on the spot by keeping rescue numbers handy. Program the phone numbers of local animal hospitals, 24-hour veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitators in your phone for easy access in an emergency.
If you see an animal in danger, don’t stay silent. Speak up, step in, and call the authorities.
Being prepared means you can make the difference between life and harm.
18. Carry a compassion kit
Help safely
Carry a Compassion Kit in your car. It'll come in handy if you need to transport an animal to a shelter or hospital.
First of all, you'll need to know what's in a starter kit. A good starter kit contains:
- a cardboard pet carrier (collapse-able)
- thick gloves
- trash bags
- pet waste bags
- cat and dog collars
- leashes
- water bowl + water
- first aid kit
Finally, carry a tasty treat or canned pet food. Use it to help lure animals away from dangerous situations or into carriers. All of these items are available at pet supply stores.
19. Become a member or sponsor
Fund their future
Animal sanctuaries and wildlife rehab centers rely on supporters to keep their doors open. Join as a member and directly fund care for rescued animals—many groups let you sponsor an animal, covering food, vet bills, and more. Plus, enjoy perks like updates, photos, and discounts while knowing your support makes a real difference.
Your contribution helps provide safe spaces for animals who’ve escaped exploitation and harm. By becoming a member, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving them a future.
20. Organize a fundraiser or bake sale
Bake a better world
Sanctuaries, rehabilitators, and other animal organizations are always looking for donations. Host a fundraiser or vegan bake sale. Then donate all of the proceeds to your favorite group.
RELATED READING: How to Host a Vegan Bakesale
Not sure which group to choose? Find hundreds of choices in the sanctuary directory.
21. Use employee matching programs
Double the cash, double the change
Many employers offer donation matching—take advantage of it to double your support for animal organizations. Whether it’s a sanctuary, rescue group, or advocacy org, your contribution can go twice as far.
Check with your workplace to see if they match charitable gifts, and direct those funds to groups making a real difference. It’s an easy way to maximize your impact without extra cost.
Turn your everyday job into a force for change.
22. Make a gift in memory of a lost loved one
Make a compassionate tribute
Losing someone leaves a void, but honoring their memory can create something meaningful. A gift to an animal organization in their name directly supports rescues, sanctuaries, or advocacy work—tangible change in their honor. It’s a way to channel love and loss into action, helping animals who’ve faced exploitation or harm.
Unlike flowers or cards, this kind of tribute has a lasting impact, creating a legacy of compassion.
23. Donate wishlist items
Donations with a purpose
Wishlists are lists made by sanctuaries and rescue groups of items they need to help animals. These items can range from household goods to office supplies to professional services.
To begin, view the sanctuary wishlist, which includes the most commonly requested items that most organizations need. Then, contact your favorite sanctuary, rescue group, or wildlife rehabilitator to see where you can take your donation or if it needs mailing.
24. Donate your old vehicle
Clunkers for compassion
Your old car, truck, or van could be a lifeline for needy animals.
Many sanctuaries and rescue groups accept donated vehicles, using them to transport animals and supplies or even fund critical care. If the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation isn’t just impactful—it’s tax-deductible.
Instead of letting your vehicle gather dust, turn it into a tool for change. It’s a win-win: you clear space, they get support, and animals get a second chance.
25. Stand strong in your vegan ethics
Inspire by example
Building a stronger vegan world starts with you—live boldly, lead by example, and let your choices speak louder than words.
Create new traditions with family and friends that align with your ethics showing them compassion doesn’t mean compromise. Stay true to your values, even when others push back; your consistency earns respect, even if it’s not immediate. It’s okay to feel frustrated or hurt by criticism but don’t let it shake your resolve.
At the end of the day, your voice and choices are the ones that matter most—own them unapologetically.
26. Share, share, share
Make veganism go viral
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness about animal issues—use it to share blogs, graphics, and events that highlight their plight. Every post can potentially reach someone new, sparking conversations and inspiring change.
Let your feed be a force for good, one post at a time.

Truth in advertising
I am committed to providing accurate information to the vegan community. This work used the following extensively researched and cited sources listed here to ensure transparency and reliability.
Please contact me if you find something wrong.