As Shelters Struggle - Here's Some Ways We Can Help

Last week, I wrote a story about how shelters across Canada are seeing record numbers of pet surrenders and in some cases, shelters are full to capacity. Not only does this mean that animals in need will be turned away, it also means that there is an incredible strain on shelters to care for this amount of animals. It's more than just the financial aspect, it's the workers who will be working themselves to the bone to care for such a large amount of animals. With that being said, there's a lot we can do to help ease some of the burden that shelters are facing.

DONATIONS

Donations to your local shelter are a great way to show your support. There's no such thing as a donation too small when it comes to helping animals. Call your local shelter and find out how to go about donating. Perhaps you could even set up a monthly donation; nothing too crazy, just enough to show your support and help keep animals fed and cared for. Alternately, you could donate food / pet supplies but always contact your shelter first to find out how to go about making a donation like that. Every little bit helps!

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are a great way to help your local shelter. Maybe it's a bake sale at your college / university that benefits a local shelter. Maybe it's a box at your work place that collects pet care items in exchange for a discount. It can also be just a go fund me sort of situation where all proceeds go to a shelter in need. Fundraisers are an excellent way to help but also to draw attention to the severity of the situation in your local shelter.

FOSTERING

Fostering animals is an excellent way to help your local shelter. It frees up necessary space to take in more animals and provides a fostered animals with love, security, and stability while they await being adopted. Fostering is a rewarding opportunity if you're in a position to do so. Contact your local shelter to inquire about fostering opportunities.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering for a few hours a week at your local shelter is another great way to alleviate some of the pressure shelter workers are under when full to capacity. Maybe it's walking shelter dogs, playing with cats / kittens, cleaning out cages, or helping bath dogs. Whatever it is, it helps shelter workers who are burning out from all of the animals under their care. Contact your local shelter and inquire about volunteering opportunities. 

ADOPTION

Lastly, adopting an animal is a win-win if you ask me. Not only are you helping your local shelter free up space to take in more animals in need, you also get a new furry family member who is going to provide you with many years of memories and happiness. Adopting an animal is a decision that must not be taken lightly. Make sure you're wholly committed to the idea and ready to take on an animal under any pretense. The last thing we want is animals ending up in shelters after being adopted.

Our local shelters need our help and there's so much we can do outside of adopting. Contact your local shelter and see what you can do to help <3

HAPPY VEG