There are many reason dogs are known as man’s best friend: they’re adorable, loyal, and simply the best. Adoption trends are moving in a positive direction, and there has been an increase in animal adoption nationwide. It also reflects the public’s dedication to rescuing homeless animals.
This is tremendous progress for Sri Lanka’s animals and is the direct result of innovative, life-saving programs and hard work from local shelters, rescues and volunteers. Their efforts have paid off to end homelessness and needless euthanasia of shelter animals.
There are plenty of ways to help animal shelters, from fostering to setting up a facebook page for your favourite local rescue. Volunteering benefits both the animals and the tireless people running the shelters and rescues. Even without much past experience with animals you can find ways to offer your support.
Many of us would love to help rescued animals living at the local shelter, but let’s face it — it can be hard. There often aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish our own tasks, let alone volunteer for the many tasks a shelter has on the to-do list. Donating money would be easier, but maybe you’re on a budget and don’t have much to spare. That’s OK! There are lots of ways to help local animal shelters without investing a ton of time, money or energy
The first step is to learn about the local shelters in your area and their needs. Some might be doing fine on donations but need help caring for the animals waiting for a forever home, while others might be struggling to make ends meet and could use a push in the donation sector. Figure out your skill set and where you’re needed most. The next step is to check out this list of creative ways you can help. Then decide on one or a few small things you can do to make a huge difference.
Fostering is a great way to help animal shelters. It’s not right for everyone, and there is no such thing as a perfect foster home. But if you’re able to give some extra time to an animal in need you can make a huge difference. Fosters are a big part of what helps keep animal shelters and rescues going. They keep animals out of the shelter environment, make room for new animals to come in, and are able provide potential adopters with invaluable information that ensures it’s a good match.
Hundreds of commercial pet-breeding facilities and backyard breeders produce thousands of animals for sale in pet stores and through newspaper ads throughout the country, often known as puppy mills, these facilities repeatedly impregnate female dogs that spend their entire lives in cages without human companionship. These unfortunate animals are often in intolerable environments, forced to produce litter upon litter, and are destroyed after they become unprofitable assets. Adopting a shelter animal means you don’t support such cruel practices.
All animals’ shelters are in need of a second chance. They have been lost, given up or abandoned. They are all unwanted and helpless. Reachout today and find a shelter near you. You can make a difference for an animal in need.
Shelters provide a space for animals of all different breeds, ages, shapes, sizes and personalities. They house so many different pets that you are sure to find an animal that fits your lifestyle and will serve as your perfect companion.
Being in a shelter can be stressful for many animals. Shelters fill up fast. Finding temporary homes while animals are waiting to be adopted frees up space to help newly rescued animals. Fostering doesn’t necessarily fall under the “easy” category for how to volunteer to help, but it does fall under the category of most important things you can do. So, opening your home to an animal in need and providing it with food, shelter, love and training it needs or giving it a forever home is one of the best things you can do to help. It can also be one of the most fulfilling.
A house is never lonely where a loving dog waits.