Local 13-Year-Old Wins National PETA Kids Award for Fostering Dozens of Kittens
For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2026
Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382
A Hero to Animals Award is on its way from PETA Kids—part of PETA’s Youth Division—to 13-year-old Wheat Ridge resident Elsa VanDeusen, who in just over two years has helped provide foster care to 66 kittens, giving them safety, socialization, and comfort while working tirelessly to find them loving homes.
Inspired by her love of animals, the 7th grader began fostering as a summer project, but it quickly grew into a year-round calling. In addition to the kittens she fosters, she has also helped care for the many other cats in need in her community by volunteering at a local animal shelter. She’s now set her sights on becoming a veterinarian so that she can continue her compassionate mission to improve the lives of animals.
Credit: Laura VanDeusen
“Elsa VanDeusen’scompassion and hard work have made a world of difference in the lives of dozens of kittens, who needed care and comfort before being adopted into permanent, loving homes,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA Kids applauds her kindness and hands‑on heroism and hopes her example inspires others to step up for animals.”
With millions of cats and dogs homeless in the U.S. at any given time, animal shelters nationwide have been overwhelmed for years. That’s why PETA urges guardians to always have their animal companions spayed or neutered and to adopt—never buy animals from breeders or pet stores. People can also help by volunteering at their local animal shelter and even fostering an animal in need, which gives them more opportunities for exercise and socialization and can improve their chances of adoption.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information about PETA Kids, please visit PETAKids.com or follow PETA Kids on Facebook or Instagram.
