Courtesy of Pixabay
This week is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, to acknowledge and promote the role of animal shelters in communities all over the country.
5 EASY ways to help our local animal shelters and rescues.
1 – Share. Share. SHARE!
Help spread the word about our local shelters and animal rescues by sharing messages and photos on social media. See an adorable kitten on the shelter’s Facebook page, but you aren’t able to adopt? That’s ok, share the posts with all your FB friends and followers!
2 – Say “Thank You!”
Take time to say thanks to the people who work at your local shelter or rescue. Your new pet has likely spent a lot of time with people at the shelter or rescue, and they understandably grow fond of all the animals they help. Rescuers love to see updates! Sharing photos and your experience on social media helps draw more attention to their organization (making it possible for them to help more pets to find homes).
3 – Get to know your local shelters and rescue groups.
Locate the ones in your area and go visit. They are always looking for people to help walk and bathe dogs, clean food dishes or cat cages.
4 – DONATE!
Shelter and rescue groups are trying to help as many pets as possible and usually on a very tight budget. If you can’t adopt, maybe you can organize a fundraiser. If fundraising isn’t your cup of tea, shelters and rescues are ALWAYS happy to accept monetary donations (of any amount) or donations of pet food (even old blankets are useful as pet bedding). Donate. Donate. DONATE!
5 – Help control the pet population.
The only way we will stem the tide of unwanted/homeless pets is to control the pet population. Like Bob Barker famously said at the end of every episode of ‘The Price is Right’ “have your pet spayed or neutered.”
And a bonus tip…
6 – Identify your pet!
If your beloved pet becomes lost, the easiest/safest/quickest way to get them back home is to make sure your pet has the appropriate ID. All cats and dogs should have a collar and a tag with their owner’s contact information. Pet microchipping is also an effective way to keep pets safe.