Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash
Communities tend to pull together when times are tough, and that’s especially true with pet parents and animal lovers. From donating goods to our favorite pet pantry or animal shelter to volunteering to foster a homeless pet, we have plenty of ways to help our neighbors and their pets. Here are seven ways to make a difference.
1. Donate to or volunteer at your local animal shelter.
Animal shelters often see an increase in intakes when the economy starts to struggle, and donations may slow down. Monetary donations can provide the animal shelter with the funds they need to continue to run smoothly. You may also want to ask if the shelter has a wish list of items it needs. Some even link to their Amazon and Chewy lists, an easy way to help homeless pets.
Or, if you prefer giving time, sign up to volunteer with your local animal shelter. You may be able to walk dogs, socialize with the small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, or hang out with the cats. Note that many animal shelters require volunteers to complete a mandatory orientation session or training.
2. Donate to or volunteer at a local rescue.
Rescues tend to rely on donations and volunteers to keep running, providing you with an easy way to help. Do a quick online search, and you’ll likely find numerous rescues – dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, small animals, and so on – in your area. You can offer a one-time donation, commit to a monthly or quarterly donation, cover the adoption fee of an animal or animals, or purchase items from the rescue’s wish list.
You might also want to inquire about what kind of help the rescue needs. Does it need someone to socialize with the animals? Clean enclosures? Transport them to and from vet appointments? Help with public events? Ask what your favorite rescue needs and volunteer to step in to help, or if you have a talent, like writing or drawing, offer your services.
3. Donate to a pet pantry.
Pet pantries provide pet parents with food and supplies for their pets. In many cases, the pet parent must fill out an application before receiving food for the first time. If you’re near a pet pantry, consider donating funds or pet food or supplies. Your best bet is to check out the pet pantry’s website (link) or contact them to find out what type of food and supplies they need. Food banks also generally accept pet food.
Even if you don’t have extra money, consider donating your time to a local pet pantry. Pet pantries in Pennsylvania typically accept volunteers, although there may be age restrictions that require volunteers under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. You’ll likely have to fill out an application and attend training to get started.
4. Contribute to an emergency fund with your local veterinarian.
Veterinary costs can add up quickly, which could lead some pet parents to face difficult decisions, especially when they’re struggling financially. If you have extra money to donate, consider contacting local veterinarians, ask if they have an emergency fund for patients, and how you can contribute.
5. Purchase items from an online wish list.
Animal shelters, rescues, and some pet parents, who are struggling financially, create wish lists on sites like Amazon and Walmart, making it easy to help without leaving home.
6. Foster a pet.
You’ve probably heard the popular saying that when you foster (or adopt) a pet, you’re essentially saving two lives: The life of the pet you’re fostering or adopting and the life of an animal the shelter or rescue can now take in. If you have room in your home and your heart, consider fostering a pet.
While fosters are needed all year round, they’re especially important when the economy is in a slump and surrenders to animal shelters and rescues increase. Many animal shelters and rescues provide financially – covering the veterinary care, supplies, and food – for fosters.
7. Start a fundraiser.
Fundraising is an effective way of helping pets, whether you want to donate the proceeds to a local rescue or shelter or to help pet parents who are struggling financially.
While organizations like animal shelters and rescues rely, in part, on donations to stay open, there are other ways – including volunteering – to help them and individual pet parents, too.
