Ten Ways to Support Your Local Shelter or Rescue Group

In This Chapter

• Supporting shelters and rescues with your time, knowledge, and personal resources
• Rescuing again — one saved animal is good, but two or more saved animals are great

Adopting a pet is a great way to support your local shelter and rescue organizations, but maybe the experience has prompted your desire to do more. Here are ten great ways to help.

Volunteering

Most animal shelters need help. Stop by yours and ask what you can do.

Donating Money or Talent

Most shelters and rescue groups are underfunded and can really use your donations. If you’re handy, ask about building or painting projects. If you’re a writer or computer whiz, ask about designing a newsletter or brochure. If your kids want to get involved, help them set up a lemonade stand or have a bake sale, advertising that all proceeds go to the local shelter.

Fostering a Pet

Work with a local rescue group as a foster pet parent, taking in pets and helping them adjust to life with a family before they find their forever homes.

Dropping Off Food and Supplies

The next time you go to the grocery or pet store, pick up some extra food, litter, toys, or grooming tools and drop them off at the shelter.

Giving Gifts in Others’ Names

Make a donation to a shelter or rescue group in a friend or family member’s name. Most animal lovers would be thrilled with such a meaningful gift.

Referring Your Friends

Share your great experiences and encourage your interested friends to consider the pet adoption option.

Staying Informed

Stay informed about what’s going on in the area of pet welfare. These sites can help: www.aspca.org (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals); www.hsus.org (The Humane Society of the United States); www.adoa.org (The American Dog Owner’s Association, Inc.); www.altpet.net (National Alternative Pet Association).

Spreading the Word

Speak up! Get involved with publicity or PR for your shelter or rescue group, or with a local pet club to raise awareness.

 Starting a Rescue

If you think you have the business sense and objectivity to do the job right, check out these resources on starting a pet rescue: ASPCA (www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=startshelter); Pet Rescue.com (www.petrescue.com/library/start-rescue.htm); Cyber-Pet (www.cyberpet.com/dogs/articles/rescue/startrescue.htm).

Adopting Another Pet

I’d never recommend exceeding your capacity for pets, but if you can fit another pet into your home and heart, I hope you’ll return to the shelter.

by Eve Adamson