How to Help Your Local Shelter

November is National Pet Shelter Appreciation Month. Shelters do a lot of good in the community. Without shelters lots of lost pets wouldn’t be reunited with their owners, the dangers of an unwanted encounter with an animal would rise, and many mistreated or abused animals would be homeless. Shelters are run by selfless individuals who care deeply about animals, and are dedicated to helping the pet population in our community.

Shelters need a lot of help and support from our community. Many are understaffed, underfunded and in need of basic items. If you are interested in helping the shelter in your town there are a few ways you can give back:

1. Monetary donations. Money, especially for no-kill shelters and other non-profits help keep them running. Many have monthly membership options, but you can always make a one time donation. Donations big or small are always welcome. Donations go towards the upkeep of the shelter, food, water, toys and blankets for the animals.
2. If you don’t have a lot of cash, time is a big help. Volunteer to walk dogs, help play with kittens or anything to help out your local shelter. Shelters need consistent help and giving your time allows the pets an opportunity to exercise, or play with a human until it finds a forever home. Shelters are a good learning place for animals, and the more interaction they get with humans, the easier they will be when they are adopted. If you’re not the best dog walker, don’t worry. The shelter will train you and give you all the tools you need to be comfortable. Volunteers are especially needed during times of crisis. When there is a natural disaster, shelters are overrun with pets who become displace from their owners, and volunteers are needed in droves.
3. You can also help spread the word about the shelters in your area. Most people are unaware of all the good that shelters do for animals, and humans. Set up a local group that can support the shelter monetarily or by offering time. While one person makes a big difference, if you can attract more people to help the cause, it’s even better for the shelters!
4. Of course the best way to help a shelter is to adopt a pet. Adoption is one of the best ways to help the pet population and it’s very affordable at a shelter. Take a tour of the shelter with your family and let everyone have a say in what dog, cat, or other animal you want to take home. You can also choose to become a foster home for an animal. Before you do this make sure you talk with the shelter and know your responsibility. Some shelters require you keep the pet in the foster home until it is adopted.
5. If you have a pet, make sure it is spayed or neutered. That is the best thing a pet owner can do for shelters. Ensuring the pet population is under control will reduce the overpopulation of shelters.

Happy National Pet Shelter Appreciation Month! For more pet news, tips and health tips follow us on Twitter.