Stereotypes are fast mental shortcuts our brains use to make sense of the world, but when left unchecked, they can lead to unfair assumptions and flawed decisions about people and their pets. (1 of 5)

Stereotypes are shaped and reinforced through everyday messages, media, peers, and trusted voices—and unless we actively replace them with more accurate and inclusive stories, they will continue to distort how we treat people, pets, and entire communities. (2 of 5)

Stereotypes don’t just misrepresent people—they harm relationships and make it harder for us to support pet families with dignity, trust, and compassion. (3 of 5)

Move beyond harmful stereotypes by sharing fuller, fairer stories that reflect people’s strengths, relationships, and realities. Messaging should build understanding, not assumptions. (4 of 5)

To treat people and companion animals with fairness and respect, we must challenge harmful stereotypes by using thoughtful images, sharing individual stories, and relying on accurate, evidence-based information. (5 of 5)

Villainizing people keeps us in a cycle of problems instead of pulling us out of it. The narrative around villains needs to change and here are three things we can do to drop it.

Our stories and messages lay the groundwork for how we support people, animals, and communities during disasters. Here are four essential tips for talking about animals and people now.

Housing insecurity always show up in our work with pets and people, but stories and messages aren’t telling the real story of this problem. Mainstream narratives are harmful - this is how we can do better.

It's easy to worry that Empathic Listening will squander your limited time. It does take time, but not more time. Listen to use your precious minutes more effectively.