This week is "Be Kind to Animals Week" and there are some easy ways you can help critters.

If you have a pet, this week is a good one to evaluate your pet's needs.

The Humane Society of Marathon County suggests setting up an annual check up with a veterinarian...and making sure their vaccines are up-to-date.

Another way to help animals is to volunteer at any local humane society.

"There's so many ways you can get involved...walking dogs, bathing dogs, playing with cats," said Mary Kirlin, executive director at the Humane Society of Marathon County.

She says animal lovers can also be kind by speaking out for those who cant' by getting informed about policies and legislation that have an impact on animals.

Unfortunately, animal abuse is a problem in all communities.

According to the Marathon County Sheriff's Department, last year deputies responded to more than 30 incidents involving animals.

And the humane society gets calls every week on suspected cases of animal abuse.

"If you see something going on, if you suspect something's going on, if you have proof you need to make that phone call. A lot of folks call the humane society and they call anonymously and give an address or location but don't wanna get involved," Kirlin said.

She says many times discovering animal abuse also leads to the discovery of bigger issues at home that also must be addressed.