Throw-Away Pets
How You Can Help
Thousands of people across the nation are involved in animal rescue and have become a very vital part of saving lives by relieving pressure on shelters, allowing more room for other animals and by giving pets a second chance at life. There are many reasons why people get involved with a rescue; some start out as breeders and exhibitors who love a breed and begin rescue work. Some people started out because they were touched by a single animal's story. Whatever the case people rescue because they love animals and are compassionate and believe that they deserve loving homes and second chances. Development of rescue associations for some breeds took years as national and regional breed clubs slowly recognized the need to care for the breeds they protect and promote. Today in the dog world almost all breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club have a national rescue coordinator with hundreds of regional clubs to assist with rescue efforts; and thousands of breeders, exhibitors, and pet owners do their bit to help unfortunate dogs of the breeds they love. In addition to those associated with breed clubs are individuals who form nonprofit groups to rescue animals. Many of these groups will rescue both purebred and mixed breed animals and rely on donations and volunteers to keep the rescue alive (Dog Owner's Guide).
So you think you want to help out? The best way to start is in your own community. Whether you have 40 hours a week or just 40 minutes, every little bit counts. Here are a few ways you can help animals in your community(HSUS):
1. Be a responsible pet owner. Start by keeping current identification on your dog or cat at all times. Spay or neuter your pet and always keep your dog or cat properly confined or supervised. In addition to the basics--food, water, shelter, and veterinary care--give your pet lots of love and attention. For guidance on pet care, visit www.PetsforLife.org .
2. Make a donation to your local animal shelter. Donate food, old blankets and towels, or other needed supplies. Many shelters provide lists online of what they need, you can also contribute to one of its special programs. To locate your nearest shelter, visit www.Pets911.com .
3. Lend a hand. Volunteer your time at your local shelter. Bathe and groom the animals, walk dogs, or play with cats. You can even help out with office work like stuffing envelopes for a mailing or help publicize an event by making up flyers. Contact your local shelter for information on what volunteer opportunities are available or look up volunteer information at www.Pets911.com or www.VolunteerMatch.org .
4. Find that special someone. Choose your next pet from your local shelter, which has many wonderful dogs and cats of different shapes and sizes just waiting for a permanent, loving home. Want a certain breed? Instead of buying from a pet store contact a breed rescue about your favorite breed. Visit www.Petfinder.com for animals in your area or visit http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm for a list of purebred dog rescues and http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/ for purebred cat rescues.
5. Help spread the word. Tell your friends about your local shelter's services. Promote animal safety and responsible pet ownership by setting an example. Talk to local 4-H groups about animal adoption and being a responsible pet owner. Celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week the first full week of November.
6. Vote for the animals. Support legislation to protect animals. Contact government officials about animal issues and urge them to support pro-animal legislation.
7. Be a hero. Report animal cruelty and neglect as well as injured or stray animals. You may prevent suffering and even save a life.
8. Teach your children well. Instruct children in how to care for animals properly and how to treat them with kindness. Set an example by doing the same. For more information and to order humane education materials, visit The National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE) .
9. Get a Job. You don't have to have to be a veterinarian to help animals! There are plenty of jobs in animal welfare. To see some of the jobs available in your area visit www.AnimalSheltering.org.