This November marks the season of giving back and what better way to embrace that than by helping out our less fortunate four-legged friends? Here are three ways to give back to your local pet community this holiday season—and year-round.
#1: Volunteer at a local animal shelter
No better present exists than the gift of time when looking for ways to help others. Animal shelters can always use a pair of extra hands, whether they’re cleaning kennels, feeding pets, walking dogs, or playing with cats. If you have time to spare, consider volunteering wherever needed at your local animal shelter, and make it a year-round activity, instead of just a holiday-driven one.
#2: Donate needed supplies or cash to an animal rescue organization
In addition to needing more hands to help care for the pets housed in their facilities, animal shelters always need more supplies. Providing warm bedding, healthy food, and enrichment activities requires resources that always seem to be in short supply, so consider helping your local shelter out. Advertise on social media that you’re holding a pet supply drive for your local animal shelter, and collect donations from family and friends. Consider going through your pet’s supplies as well and donating clean toys, leashes, collars, and bedding they no longer use. And, toss an extra bag of food in your cart when picking up your pet’s food to donate to an animal rescue organization.
#3: Foster a homeless pet
The ultimate way to help give back to your local pet community this holiday season is by opening your home to a less fortunate pet. Although shelter pets are doted on by the employees and volunteers, nothing replaces the feeling of being home for the holidays. If you have the space—and your current pet approves—foster a homeless pet to give them a second chance. Fostered pets can let their true personalities shine through in a home, giving potential adopters a better idea of how they’ll act after settling in with their new family.
If you’d like to foster a homeless furry friend, ensure your pet is current on vaccinations before bringing home another cat or dog. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.