Every pet has an origin story. Just like us humans, cats and dogs have their own narrative. According to the ASPCA, 23% of dogs and 31% of cats living as adopted pets come from an animal shelter or humane society.
If the topic of pet rescue and adoption awareness is something you want to learn more about, check out our latest blog! Rescuing and adoption allows pets to be rehomed from unsafe or unethical living situations.
Rescue and adoption-focused organizations deserve some love for all they do for unhoused and at-risk pets that fill our homes. This blog will explore how you can support pet adoption and rescue organizations as well as some notable groups.
Ways To Give Back
There are so many ways to support the local and national groups that provide protection and care to vulnerable fluffs. You might first think of the option for financial contributions – plain and simple! Providing donations is an awesome way to show your support, but there are other ways, too.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an engaging and memorable way to show your support, especially if you love spending time with furry friends. Local shelters and humane societies have a variety of ways to get involved.
For instance, in our lovely city of Denver, there are so many ways to Volunteer with Denver Animal Shelter! In addition to general volunteers, there are junior volunteer opportunities for those between ages 8-15 as well as high school volunteers ages 16-18.
Volunteering helps animals stay active, socialized, and well cared for. Not to mention, this is a joyful way to fill your pet-lover cup! Tasks may include cleanup, providing entertainment, and other animal care.
Donated Items
If volunteering isn’t for you, another inspiring way to actively contribute to the betterment of pets in shelters is to provide other forms of donations. Certain shelters may appreciate pet food, towels, blankets, beds, toys, and collars to name a few!
When I was younger, my family would make tie blankets for our local humane society! If this is something your local shelter accepts, check out this DIY No Sew Tie Blanket For Animal Shelters! This is a great, all ages-friendly activity that can provide some comfort for shelter animals.
Fostering
Lastly, an outstanding and admirable way to support your local pet community is to foster. Pet fostering allows animals to have a safe home until they are aligned with a long-term family. This is also a great way to spend time with a pet before formal adoption.
For Denver locals, the Animal Rescue of the Rockies has some awesome Foster Information. Fostering not only allows animals to have more comfortable living conditions, but it also reduces overcrowding of shelters!
Notable Organization: The National Mill Dog Rescue
The National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) has the mission to “rescue, rehabilitate and rehome discarded breeding dogs and to educate the general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.”
Located in Peyton, Colorado, NMDR has adoption, donation, and volunteer opportunities. They also have a “Rescue Readers” program! This allows pups to socialize by being read to by elementary through high school students. I know I would have loved this when I was younger!
As mentioned previously, it is a great idea to search up your local “animal shelter” or “humane society” to show some local support! Each city’s needs and opportunities are different, so if you want to get involved, you might want to do a little research to find out about the organizations near you!
In the End…
If you are an animal lover, there are so many ways to show some love to local and national pet organizations! These groups normally need support to keep their operations going. As the holidays are approaching, supporting pet shelters is not only a great way to give back, but can also be joyful, even for the whole family!
