Christmas is the season of giving and animal shelters across the country could use some help if you have time to give!
Here are some great ways to lend a helping hand to not only animal shelters, but the animals too!
1) Holiday Issues and Opportunities
Give a charitable donation to an animal shelter.
Kim Saunders, vice president of Shelter Outreach for Petfinder.com, says:
“Shelters face many issues throughout the year, but one that is amplified during the holiday season is a lack of funds. While many people are looking for gift-giving opportunities during the end of the year, shelters have historically received the lowest amount of charitable gifts.”
Also, contact local shelters to foster a pet between Christmas and New Years to give shelter staff a much-deserved break over the holidays.
2) Give Cold Weather Supplies
Find out what kind of supplies local shelters are in need of, like emergency weather supplies or something as simple as blankets, so they can be prepared in any situation.
3) Get Trained to Foster
Inga Fricke, director of sheltering initiatives at the Humane Society of the United States, says:
“The best volunteers are those who are already prepared and committed in advanced. Shelters and rescues won’t turn someone away who is stepping in in advance. Every program is different, but it all goes back to being proactive. Volunteer now to get on someone’s radar and get training, so that when that call goes out, you can help.”
Get trained as an emergency pet foster through local shelters so that you may help out a pet in need in a short notice situation!
Happy holidays, pet lovers!
Remember to think of all of the less fortunate pets this year if you have the time or resources to help them out.
[Image via AP Images.]
