We help Catholics respond with urgency and compassion to animal suffering and build a kinder world for all God’s creatures.
Why Animals?
As Catholics, we are called to care for God’s creation, including His creatures. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis urged all people to embody Saint Francis of Assisi’s radiant relationship with other creatures and wrote, “We read in the Gospel that Jesus says of the birds of the air that ‘not one of them is forgotten before God’ (Luke 12:6). How then can we possibly mistreat them or cause them harm?”
Cruelty to animals directly contradicts our values of love, compassion, mercy, and stewardship. Yet, today, more of God’s creatures are suffering at human hands than ever before. Billions of sensitive individuals are treated like commodities in intensive systems, while countless others face habitat degradation, abuse, and exploitation.
The good news? God gives us everything we need to change this. Together, we can honor God by charting a brighter path forward for all living beings.
Who We Are
The Saint Francis Institute for Animals is a Catholic-led nonprofit. We believe that concern for God’s creation – which includes the well-being of His creatures – is a core expression of our faith. Our work is grounded in Church teaching and informed by experts in Catholic theology and animal protection issues.
Inspiration & News
Our Focus Areas
Amplifying Church teachings about animals
Highlighting animal sentience
Ending factory farming
Protecting wild animals
Helping dogs, cats, and other companion animals
Change begins with you.
Small things, done with great love, can indeed change the world.
Take action as an individual
→ Learn MoreWhat your faith community can do
→ Learn MoreYour single most powerful action for animals:
→ Choosing plant-based
Every act of cruelty towards any creature is contrary to human dignity.”
– Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 92
What We Do
Engage Catholic Communities
We reach out to Catholics to shine a light on the realities impacting God’s creatures and the many changes within our reach.
Develop
Partnerships
Through special projects and tailored resources, we support creation care work within Catholic organizations.
Provide
Resources
From bulletin blurbs and printable brochures to talks and toolkits, we provide actionable resources for parishes, universities, and individuals.
BEGIN OUR 30-DAY HARMONY WITH ALL CREATURES JOURNEY
Helping animals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Every action counts! In 30 days, through simple steps, expand your understanding of a wide range of issues impacting our fellow creatures.