Approximately 7.6 million companion pets are surrendered to a shelter every year; 4.2 million are dogs and 1.4 million dogs are euthanized. Animals have no voice of their own, no social safety net and very few rights under the law. They are vulnerable and, unfortunately, mistreated more often than most of us would like to think.
Shelters and rescue operations for pets need donations from the community to operate. Many animal shelters do not have the resources they need to care for sick or injured animals. Approximately 80 percent of animals that are euthanized are healthy or treatable and could have been adopted into new homes. Senior dogs and bully breeds are also high on the list of dogs that are at-risk for euthanasia.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can help homeless, sick and abused dogs. Small, local charities often do not receive the funds and attention that large national and international organizations receive.
Here are 4 ways you can help care for abandoned pets that so desperately need our assistance.
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Make a donation
Financial donations make a HUGE difference for animal charities. Donating money is fast, easy and allows facilities to use the money where it is needed most. If the nonprofit group you’re donating to is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, you can deduct the value of your contribution from any taxes you owe.
Animal shelters need food, bedding and other supplies. Many need veterinarian care, medical assistance and spaying/neutering. Your donations will help provide the care abandoned animals need until a suitable home is found for them.
However, if you can’t donate money, don’t despair – there are other ways you can help!
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Volunteer your time
Volunteering your time at a local shelter or a rescue group is one of the most valuable ways to help. Most animal shelters depend on volunteers to provide the needed care required for the animals. Here are some examples of things you can do that will make a tremendous difference:
- Walk the dogs
- Clean kennels
- Help with feeding
- Attend adoption events
- Take pictures of the animals to post on website and social media
- Play with the animals
- Read to dogs
- Answer the phone
- Managing the website
- Helping with direct mail campaigns
- Other office help
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Donate supplies
Donations don’t have to be monetary. Check with your local shelter to find out what types of supplies they need. Common requests for donations include:
- Toys
A toy can help lift a dog’s spirit and make them feel loved. Be sure to donate toys that are safe and approved for dogs. You can even make tug ropes out of old t-shirts, etc.
- Bedding
Dogs need soft places to lay, so blankets, sheets and pillowcases help keep shelter animals warm and make them feel safe. Consider donating your old blankets, towels, tablecloths or other fabric items.
- Crates
A crate becomes a dog’s den – a safe place where they can find comfort and solitude. Shelters and rescue programs use crates for many purposes. An unused crate you may have stored in your attic or garage will make a difference to a local shelter.
- Heating pads
Heating pads help keep newborn puppies warm. Be careful – not all heating pads are safe for animal use. Check with your local shelter before donating.
- Food
Shelters need lots of food to feed all those hungry mouths! Check with the shelter to find out what types of food they can use. Consider donating any food or treats your own dog is allergic to or just plain doesn’t like and won’t eat.
- Cleaning supplies
Shelters need lots of cleaning supplies to keep the facility sanitary. Items like newspapers, paper towels and cleaning soaps are always needed. Check with your local shelter to see what types of cleaning supplies they can use.
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Adopt a shelter or rescue dog
If you’ve been considering adopting a new dog, think twice before buying one from a pet store. Your local shelter or rescue operation may have the perfect dog for you! Look for breed-specific rescue programs if you have your heart set on a certain breed.
Adopting a dog from a shelter may save his or her life, and will make room for another animal in need. Share your experience with your family and friends, and hopefully they will consider adopting a shelter pet the next time they are ready for a new four-legged family member. Click here to learn more about what to consider when adopting a shelter dog…
Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue program avoids the dilemma of purchasing an animal that was bred in a puppy mill, contributing to the atrocities of the puppy mill system. Learn more about puppy mills here…
Where to Donate or Adopt
Here at Canine Campus we encourage you to donate to local programs that so desperately need your help. When you donate locally, you know you are truly making a difference for animals in our own community. Here are some local charities for you to consider…
- All Breed Rescue & Training – I have served on the All Breed Board of Directors and highly recommend this local organization
- Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
- Chihuahua & Small Dog Rescue
- Safe Place for Pets
- BarkaBull
- No Hound Unhomed
About IndyGive
During the month of December there is a huge philanthropic effort going on called IndyGive. IndyGive is another great way to support your local community. Click here to go to the IndyGive Animals page…
The holidays are quickly approaching. Consider making a donation of money, time, supplies, or adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue program.
What better way to celebrate the spirit of giving?
Here at Canine Campus we have cared for many animals that were once housed in a shelter. We know the value of protecting and providing aid for these beautiful animals that are gravely in need of love and support. Many have lost the safety and security of their family and home and are sad and frightened. We urge you to consider donating or helping local animal charities when and if you can. Thank you in advance for your help!
Want to learn more about the premier dog daycare and overnight care offered here at Canine Campus? Contact us here or call us at 719-448-9600. We’d love to talk with you!
Have you donated to an animal charity? What prompted you to give? Leave your comments below…
Source:
“Pet Statistics.” ASPCA, 2018, www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics.
It’s awesome that you point out that donating pet supplies can benefit animals in need. I care a lot about animals, so I’m thinking about donating some pet food to a charity that helps them. I’m going to search for a reputable charity that accepts pet food donations.