Nearly 10 billion land animals are killed for human consumption each year in the U.S. alone. Ever more industrialized, animal agriculture also runs on the exploitation of vulnerable workers, farmers, and communities while accelerating climate change. 

The good news is that you can make a difference. Taking simple and effective actions in your everyday life can help save animals and protect people and our planet.

We’re here to help. Below is Farm Sanctuary’s list of ways to start being an animal activist right now.

Picking foods free of meat, dairy, and eggs is the most effective way to oppose animal agriculture. Whether it’s daily or one day per week, each time you choose a vegan meal, you are choosing not to support the cruel exploitation and harm of billions of animals. Plus, research shows that those who choose plant-based diets account for 75 percent less emissions than those who eat 3.5 ounces of meat per day.

Start with the delicious tofu scramble pictured above!

Today’s food systems don’t work for animals, people, or the planet. You can help change that. The Farm Bill (the Agriculture Improvement Act) is the most vital legislation shaping U.S. food systems. Use our handy form to contact your elected officials and ask that Farm Bill investments be shifted away from factory farming.

Farm Sanctuary provides specialized care, nutritious food, and vital enrichment to our rescued residents. When you symbolically adopt a farm animal, you sponsor their care and help us advocate for those still suffering within animal agriculture. Meet our “adoptable” farm animals!

Finding community helps boost our confidence and increase our effectiveness as animal activists. Look for virtual events or those near you, whether a vegfest, a documentary screening, or a vegan potluck. Then, attend or volunteer, and find out if there are more ways you can get involved with like-minded animal activists.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors and those who donate their time and energy to our mission in many other ways. Whether on-site at our New York or California sanctuary or in your community, we will soon have exciting new opportunities for volunteers to get involved.

If you haven’t had the chance to meet farm animals face to face and genuinely get to know them, we recommend visiting a sanctuary. This experience offers the opportunity to learn more about the animals we advocate for, and the peace of sanctuary may allow you to recharge and protect yourself from burnout, too. Visit Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY, or Los Angeles, CA (or even book a stay in one of our Watkins Glen tiny houses or cabins!).

Sometimes, something as simple as a T-shirt with a thought-provoking message can spark a meaningful conversation about farm animals. Browse the Farm Sanctuary shop for gear that does good, supporting our rescue, education, and advocacy while helping you raise awareness everywhere you go.