It’s officially November and that means, it is National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week! Did you know that there are almost 8 million homeless pets in our country that need shelter? For almost 20 years the Humane Society of the United States has celebrated this week in order to raise awareness for the shelters and rescuers that work so hard to keep animals in need warm and safe. Workers and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year saving lives and there are ways that you can get involved and save lives too!
Get Connected – In the age of social media, getting connected is easier than ever. The easiest way to show your support is to LIKE your local shelter’s pages and share, share, share! You can share posts of animals that need a new home, or just share the page to raise awareness among your community. Remember, sharing is caring!
Lend a Hand – While you’re there check for opportunities on how to lend a hand. You can volunteer at the shelter to help care for the animals, or sign up for adoption weekends and special events. If you’re looking to help, but don’t have a lot of time, you can make toys and other cute crafts for them. A few pieces of yarn for cats, some braided rope or fleece for dogs, and a little imagination is all you need to give a pet a fresh new toy!
Adopt a pet – If you’re ready and have the space and time to dedicate to a new family member, then you should definitely consider adoption. This is a major step, so make you to do your research and take time to consider all the pro’s and con’s of adoption. When you rescue a pet it’s not always a fairy tale start so make sure you’re ready for the commitment. But there is no better way to help a homeless pet than by giving them a home of their own!
Be Proactive – Make sure to spay and neuter all new pets. Also, make sure that your pets have updated tags or microchips in case they get lost; and ensure leashes and cages are in good condition to avoid escapes. All of these steps you can make work at the shelter easier because they won’t need to take time to find out where your pet belongs.
Shelters and Rescues need help year round, but it’s nice to have a week to shine a light on all the animals who need refuge. With fall in full swing, winter is just around the corner and pets around the country deserve a loving home to keep them out of harm’s way. As humans, we have big hearts with so much room for love and compassion. Why not hook up with your local shelter or rescue and see what opportunities are out there, your help is always needed!