Many people admit that they love animals, although there are different ways and degrees to which they show that love. Statistics show that about 67% of households have a pet. Animals are awesome companions and can have a profound effect on your life. However, many other animal lovers take their admiration and care to a new level, and it’s not bad. On the contrary, it’s pretty amazing that people are devoted to ensuring that animals are given the best lives. Are you one of such people? If yes, here are some amazing ways to help animals within your community.
- Try volunteering at an animal shelter
Several animals live in shelters, and more often than not, volunteers and workers at these shelters serve as their families before they are adopted. Volunteering is one of the most selfless ways to care for animals, especially the less glamorous side of having a pet. You must ensure that they are well-groomed and fed and that their surroundings are neat. You would also sacrifice your time playing with them and making them feel loved.
Volunteering is the perfect way to show your love for animals, especially if you cannot commit to having a pet at home. It’s also super easy to become a volunteer. Most animal shelters regularly need assistance but do not have the funding to hire full-time workers. If it’s something right up your alley, you can check with your nearest local shelter to see if they need any help.
- Spay or neuter your pets
Take a quick look around your community and keep track of the number of stray animals roaming around without homes. The number of strays sent to shelters continues to rise, especially because most haven’t been sterilized. Sadly, most of these animals are euthanized. Neutering or spaying your pets is one of the smartest ways to reduce the number of strays in your community. Plus, it also increases the lifespan of your pets. In male animals, for example, it can reduce the chances of your pet developing hernias, prostate disease, and testicular cancer. It also reduces any behavioral issues, so keep this in mind. It can reduce the risk of breast cancer and other uterine infections in female animals.
- Adopt rescues
Like humans, animals are deserving of second chances. Animals abandoned or lost also deserve to live in loving homes. By adopting rescues, you can give them this new life. Apart from the sentimental reasons for adopting rescues, it also has a lot of practical benefits. It reduces pet overpopulation and ends mass breeding facilities. Moreover, it can be prudent to adopt an adult pet that is most likely to have been trained and is well-behaved.
Another great reason why you must consider adopting a rescue is that you have access to various animals to choose from. Most shelters have different breeds to help you make a good selection. Also, it will cost you much less to adopt a rescue than to buy animals sold for profit, so feel free to consider this.
- Donate to shelters & animal charities
Sadly, many animals are very vulnerable and often mistreated in society. To help give them a decent home, many communities are required to open shelters to house them. Unfortunately, these shelters and other not-for-profit homes do not have the funds and resources to care for animals. As a result, most of them are euthanized or forced to live in less-than-ideal situations. One of the best ways to help these charities continue their work is donating. Donating money allows these organizations to use the money in areas that need urgent funding. It even benefits you, as you can deduct your contributions when filing your taxes.
There are several things that most shelters need, from bedding, food, and other supplies. Some also need access to medical facilities and resources. You can donate those items and give the animals a better temporary home before adoption. You can also encourage your close friends and family to give to the shelters.
Another fun way to show your support for animals is by purchasing vanity plates for your car. Most animal shelters sell these car plates to help raise funds, and you can continue to raise awareness as you drive around. You can give them used supplies even if you don’t have the money to donate. Perhaps, you have old pet toys and bedding that you no longer need at home. Any item is welcome, so keep this in mind.
- Help your neighbors by pet sitting
Most pet owners have very busy kennels and usually leave their pets home for extended hours or drop them off at kennels. If you’ve noticed this phenomenon happening in your community, you can use it as an opportunity to start a pet-sitting business. As a pet sitter, you would be able to give them the love and attention they need. For example, if you care for dogs, you can go on walks with them to help them get some exercise. If you can, you can also offer extended stay services, where the animals would live with you while their owners are away. It’s a great way to help your community and take the burden of worrying about their pets off their shoulders.
- Offer to train a service dog
One of the best things you can do as an animal lover is to train a service dog. The good news is that you don’t have to be a qualified dog trainer. You would most likely be responsible for caring for young service dogs until they are old enough to be sent for training and learning to carry out tasks and missions, including helping persons with disabilities.
Most of your work will be foundational, but it’s a great way to explore the dog training world, especially if you are interested. Plus, it’s extremely rewarding to know you’re helping a dog become a vital part of your community.
- Clean up after your pets
In most areas, all pet owners are responsible for their pets’ messes in public. However, it remains a problem for pedestrians. To show your community that you care about its sanitation and cleanliness, you must always ensure that you clean after your pet. You can carry waste bags and dispose of them properly. You must also ensure that you don’t litter. Trash like cigarette butts and plastic cans can harm other animals in the wild when they ingest it. So, if you have any trash on you while in public, ensure that you dispose of it properly in the designated waste bins or wait till you get home. Not only will you be keeping your community clean, but you will also be keeping other animals safe from poisonous substances.
- Get on social media
If you are active on social media, you can use your skills to raise awareness in your community. You can share important information on your local shelters and encourage your followers to adopt from these places. You can also use social media to follow other animal-friendly groups and organizations to know what they are doing and how you can play a part. Who knows? You might become a famous animal lover in your community, so feel free to consider this.
There are several ways you can help your community as an animal lover. With these helpful tips, you can pick the one that best suits your interests and aligns with your goals to help your community become more animal-friendly.