10 Ways to Help a Shelter Animal

Odette believes you can help.

Pet overpopulation is a huge problem in the U.S. Sometimes I feel so bogged down by sad homeless pet statistics and the awful animal abuse stories I hear in the news that I think, "Why bother, the world is so far gone and nothing I can do will make one tiny bit of difference". It feels like a mountain with no summit. But the truth is that there are many things that everyone can do to lend a hand.

While it's true that these actions might feel like a very small drop in an immense bucket, that's all the more reason to help fill that bucket up. These are just a handful of the ways I know of to make a difference to the homeless pets in your community:

 

1. Drop off your old blankets and towels. Shelter pets like to get cozy just the same as that dog curled up next to you on the couch.

 

2. Kids have enough toys? Encourage your child to ask for shelter supplies rather than collecting toys from their guests at their next birthday party. They'll feel great when they drop off their donation and see how happy it makes the staff and animals! Kids can be powerful advocates for compassion and giving when they realize what a big impact they can make.

 

3. Clean out your closets! Find out if there's a thrift store in your area that donates it's proceeds to an animal care facility or spay and neuter program. Southern Maryland is home to The Spot. More than likely there's a similar organization near you.

 

4. Recycle! Have a bunch of old documents sitting around? Shred those papers and see if your local shelter can use it in place of kitty litter! You'll be recycling and helping a rescue save some dough.

 

5. Find out what's needed. Many shelters have Amazon wish lists where you can order things like cleaning supplies and treats and have them shipped directly to the rescue facility. This also allows you to give exactly what is needed rather than spend money on something the shelter may not currently need.

 

6. Donate a bed. Kuranda dog beds give pups a comfy place to rest rather than a cold concrete floor. The beds are easy to clean and ship directly to the shelter when ordered online. The Kuranda website even has a searchable database of shelters so that you can find the shelter you are looking for. Especially as the weather cools, these beds can be a huge asset.

 

7. Join in the next time your local shelter has a fun run/walk. These events can constitute a huge portion of a shelter's earnings for the year, so every participant makes a big impact!

 

8. Donate your extras. Dog outgrew their collar? Got a new snazzy leash and no longer need the old one? Drop those babies off at the animal shelter! Martingale collars (the kind that tighten when the dog pulls) and harnesses are especially coveted because it allows volunteers and employees to more easily handle the dogs. And this means more walks and less time spent in a kennel.

Lola is patiently waiting for her forever.

 

9. Adopt your next pet from a shelter. Meet several options and make a thoughtful decision about who you bring home. Ask lots of question and be honest about your lifestyle when discussing your needs with the adoption counselor. Be realistic about what you can handle and what a new pet means for everyone in your family, especially your other pets. A forever home means just that: forever.



10. Volunteer at your local shelter and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Above all else, this is the best way to make an impact. Even if all you have time for is one hour spent with one dog once a month. That hour means everything to a dog who spends their day cooped up. Teach them to sit, spend an hour scratching their ears, or just throw the Frisbee 100 times in a row. Some places will even let seasoned volunteers take dogs on outings to help them stay happy and socialized.  

 

What creative things have you done to help the homeless animals where you live?

Odette and Lola are available for adoption through the Humane Society of Calvert County.