Vote for the 2025 More Than a Pet Community Hero

The More Than a Pet Community Hero Award honors three finalists for their exceptional contributions to advancing equity in access to pet care and resources within their communities. Your vote will help decide who will be named the 2025 More Than a Pet Community Hero and determine which community will receive a $10,000 grant to provide essential support services for people and pets.

Vote once daily until April 16, 2025, for your favorite community hero! Every time you vote, you’ll be entered to win a premium prize bag from Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States! The heavy canvas tote bag is full of new branded gear and promotional items, including a Humane World for Animals unisex sweatshirt, unisex T-shirt, baseball cap, water bottle, soft cover journal, aluminum pen with stylus and ceramic mug! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of pets and people.

Maria Teresa Montoya | Wichita, KS

Since 2023, Maria Teresa Montoya has helped Pets for Life distribute pet food and treats, told people about spay/neuter services, translated for Spanish speakers at clinics and built trust between community members and Pets for Life. Montoya cares for four of her own cats and one dog while feeding 20 community cats and 15 community dogs. In volunteering with PFL, she established relationships with residents of a homeless camp and their animals, handing out food, clothes, toiletries, pet supplies, blankets, hats and gloves. Twice unhoused, Montoya says she struggled during those periods to keep her three cats. “I’ve been there. If I can give back a little bit, that means a great deal to me.” Montoya expects to keep volunteering as long as she can walk and move her hands.

Vote for Maria

Demonte Moore | Milwaukee, WI

Thirteen years ago, when Demonte Moore saw a Pets for Life flyer in his neighborhood, he chased down the team to introduce his 2-year-old dog, Piper, and to volunteer. Since then, Moore lets people know about Pets for Life events and attends each one. Now with five dogs, Moore continues to advocate for the program, telling people he meets about Pets for Life. He has also found adopters for a dozen dogs and cats, and during the COVID pandemic, he helped Pets for Life distribute pet food and supplies. “Where I come from, it’s not guaranteed that people help you. I just prefer to help because I’m an animal person.” Today, Moore says he watches as people he told about Pets for Life share the information with others.

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Lersie Feliciano | Miami, FL

Lersie Feliciano first encountered Pets for Life Miami in 2021 when she attended a free clinic to get vaccinations for her 11-year-old Chihuahua, Lucy. Unspayed, the senior dog had developed mammary tumors. But the idea of getting Lucy, or any dog, spayed was unfamiliar to Feliciano. After conversations with PFL, Feliciano was reassured. She decided to get Lucy spayed and told others about what she had learned. Feliciano has gone on to ensure all of her family’s pets are sterilized and encourages others to get veterinary care. She helps families arrange vet appointments, advocates for vaccinations and provides transportation to veterinary clinics. Feliciano says she simply looks around her neighborhood for animals in need and tells their families about Pets for Life. “Once they know, they go.”

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Vote for the 2025 More Than a Pet Community Hero

A special thanks to our corporate partners supporting the More Than a Pet campaign.