Making a Difference in the Life of Shelter and Rescue Pets

Written by Expert Contributor Donna Dybus of The Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic

There are plenty of ways to help animals in shelters and rescues awaiting adoption. Some are as simple as a click to share social media posts, or making “no-sew” fleece blankets. Check out www.HumaneSociety.org and search for Ten Ways to Help. However, here are three tried-and-true ways you can make a difference.

DONATE:

Many shelters that maintain a brick-and-mortar facility and rescues that are totally foster-based often have “just enough” to get by. The best way to help is to donate money. Every donation helps, whether it’s large or small, from well-planned estate disbursements to a single dollar bill given in response to a donation request. Donated funds are used to provide the animals with a safe, temporary home, regular meals, medical care, a blanket or bed to sleep on and a caring staff.

Another way to help is to donate actual supplies that are needed. For instance, when you’re grocery shopping, pick up a bottle of laundry detergent or a bag of dry pet food and drop it off at the shelter. Are your bath towels getting a little worn? Are you thinking of new blankets for your bed? Those items are always needed by shelters and rescues, and can provide a little warmth and comfort to the bottom of a cage.

VOLUNTEER:

Volunteer at an animal shelter and interact with the animals in a “hands on,” personal way. You’ll find that it’s extremely rewarding to both you and the sheltered animals. Walk the dogs, pet the cats, talk to them and help to socialize them. These animals may be caged for many hours and may be depressed or bored. As a result, they may exhibit behaviors that hurt their chances of getting adopted. Cats may swat when picked up and held. Dogs may explode with pent-up energy. This may result in prospective adopters moving down the row to the next cage. The more cats and dogs are exposed to people and pleasant activities, the better their chances of “showing well” and getting adopted.

FOSTER:

Open your heart and home to offer a shelter animal a cage-free experience. Cats and dogs in foster care are usually more relaxed, less stressed and better socialized, which results in them having a better chance of being adopted into a forever home. There are benefits to you and your resident pet as well. Your resident pet may like the company and learn more social skills, and you will rest easier knowing you’ve made a huge difference in a foster pet’s life.

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The Mission of The Spayed Club Clinic: Eliminate unnecessary dog & cat euthanasia through affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries.

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