Brought to you by Pet Secure
As a past or present pet owner, you know the delights and joys of pet ownership, and are likely to have a great empathy with animals. It can be disturbing to hear the stories about dogs and cats being abandoned, treated poorly or just discarded, and sometimes we feel a sense of helplessness because as much as we would love to “save them all”, our circumstances don’t always allow! But, remember every little bit you can do is worthwhile, and every bit adds up to a big help – so here are some ideas on small ways that you can perhaps help and make a difference.
- Volunteering can be rewarding, but it is a difficult job. We can feel discouraged by the sheer scale of the problem, and taking care of animals that have been abused or neglected can be distressing. So whilst it isn’t for everyone, if you can offer some time in a shelter – simply walking or petting the animals, cleaning their cages or providing support in an administrative function is always gratefully received. Shelter volunteers are indeed a very special bunch, but if it’s not for you there are other options.
- Help in the community – chances are there are pets and their owners close by to you who could use a helping hand. It could be someone who is unwell or a senior who is unable to give their dog the exercise it needs, or perhaps even help picking up supplies for them can be one less thing they have to worry about.
- Random acts of kindness – how about making up a gift basket of toys and goodies to donate to a family in need, or to the local shelter?
- Keep an eye out for elderly people with pets – many of our senior citizens are totally devoted to their pets, but may not be mobile or have transport to be able to get their dog or cat to the vet. This is where you come in! Offering transportation could make all the difference to the owner, and the pet!
- Pet food bank – think about starting a pet food bank in your area for those who can’t afford to buy pet food. There are in fact many in the community who would rather not eat themselves than let their pet go without. Now that’s not good for the pet or the owner!
- Keep an eye out – some people may have health issues and have no idea how to feed and care properly for a pet. (I recently read about a poor dog that had been fed a diet of cat food – all skin and bones). If you see an animal that looks like it needs help, then it probably does! Speak to your local council or RSPCA, or directly to the person involved to see if you can help them.
- Donate – shelters love old blankets, towels, pet bowls, food, and any paraphernalia to help them take care of their charges. If you don’t have anything you can directly donate you could ask friends and family, and then take responsibility to deliver to the shelter.
- Foster – temporarily foster a dog for a rescue organisation. It will make space for them to rescue yet another one. Some will pay for food and medical care while you foster, but of course if you can make that contribution all the better! Read more about fostering experience, and how to become a foster carer here.
- Fundraise – have a garage sale (great for the kids to participate in), if you have a business donate a percentage of profit to a shelter.
- Volunteer dog walking – become a volunteer dog walker. If there no such thing in your community, consider setting it up. There are plenty of people asking for money for this service, but why not do it for free for those in need?
Remember helping pets in your community will help reduce the number that end up in the shelter in the first place!
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