Animal shelters are always in need of support from local communities, and even if you’re not ready to adopt a pet and give it a new forever home, there are still plenty of ways in which you can lend a helping hand. Here’s a list of simple things anyone can do to ensure they’re helping abandoned pets lead healthier, happier lives:
How to support animal shelters in need
Donate whatever you can
Some animal shelters run charity shops that sell used goods as a means of making some extra income. By donating items you no longer need, you can help shelters generate some much-needed cash. You can also donate pet items you’re not using anymore since animal shelters are always in need of pet products. Blankets, towels, leashes, beds, toys, food, cleaning supplies and meds like tick and flea control are always useful.
Take a walk with the dogs
Most shelters in South Africa are packed to the brim with dogs that need to be walked, played with, and in need of some TLC. The sad news is that most shelters are also short on volunteers. If you’ve got some time to kill, why not get in touch with a rescue organisation in your area and find out if they need some help with walking the dogs.
Try to be a foster parent
Fostering is a wonderful act of kindness and gives you the ability to help an animal in need without having to commit long term. Animal shelters cover vet bills for any pets in foster care, so you can enjoy the good times with the dogs without worrying about any financial impact it might cause.
Spread the word
If you can’t adopt and you’re not currently able to foster a pet, why not spread the word and try to get other members of your community involved? Make recommendations about shelters and point people in the right direction if they indicate that they’re ready to adopt. Try and encourage those around you to spay and neuter their puppies because if we have more sterilised pets, our world will have far less unwanted pets.
It’s easy to see how you can still make a change and help an animal shelter in need, and you don’t even have to commit much more than an hour of your time every month to do so. You can make a lasting difference in the lives of so many animals, all you need is love in your heart and the willingness to lend a helping hand!
