Each year, 3.2 million animals are adopted from shelters throughout the United States. November 1-7 is National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week, which recognizes the important work that shelters and rescuers do to help save lives. It is also the time to learn how supporting your local shelter is a great opportunity to give back in a meaningful way in your community. Here are ideas on how you can contribute to the cause of animal welfare and animal shelter appreciation.

Donate Your Time

Did you know that a lot of shelters thrive due to volunteer staff members? People who volunteer time at animal shelters consider it one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives. They get the joy of helping animals in need and receive endless amounts of love and affection in return. There are a number of neat things you can do to help out:

•       Become a dog walker

•       Assist with cleaning and care

•       Make regular visits with animals

•       Socialize kittens and puppies

•       Read to animals for comfort

•       Assist with administrative tasks

•       Serve as a board member

Speak to your local shelter staff and find out where they require assistance and help them meet a critical need.

Make a Contribution

Another excellent way to get involved is to provide items that benefit the bottom line. It takes a lot of food, bedding, and medications for shelters to operate, and your gifts make a huge difference. Many pet stores have programs where you can purchase a few extra cans of food at checkout to donate, or you can put extra change in a dedicated drop box to buy necessary goods.

Think about items you have in your home you no longer use, such as cat carriers, dog crates, pet beds, blankets, towels, or toys, which can have a new purpose for animals in need. It is easy to make a big difference with small actions.

Spread the Word

Talk to people about your local shelter. This is one of the most effective tools for raising awareness and getting the word out about animal care and the important work of rescue and adoption. People will see your enthusiasm and are more likely to get involved in some way, too. Take a few minutes to share with others how they can help and let them know how their efforts directly impact the cats, dogs and other animals waiting for forever homes.

Adopt, Do not Shop

Animal shelter appreciation is best served by the adoption of animals. The mission of facilities across the country is to find attentive, loving homes for the animals in their care. Before you decide to adopt a pet, be certain to understand their needs and be willing to make a lifelong commitment to your pet.

There are millions of wonderful animals residing in shelters that need good homes. Before buying a pet, consider how adoption will change the life of a waiting animal looking for their person and their place. You can be that person or family they can call their own.

Give Cash

The truth is that many shelters have overhead expenses that can best be met by cash contributions. Consider becoming a monthly donor or participate in annual fund drives. You can also sponsor a fundraiser through your work.

The most important step to make is to get involved on some level, so the good work of rescue, rehabilitation and adoption continues.

Get Professional Pet Care

Pet Hospitals of Hawaii is dedicated to the care and well-being of your pets. We are Hawaii’s premier pet hospitals, and we support the great work and important cause of local animal shelters. If you need assistance, please call or text us today. Our mission is to care for your pets as our own.