Animal shelters are amazing! Usually with limited resources, they help untold numbers of animals every single day. Helping them out will not only make shelter management’s lives easier but it will put a wag in many a tail. And don’t forget the joy you will feel knowing that you gave back.
There are many ways that you can help shelters across South Africa and we look at a few ways below.
1. ADOPT A PET
If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to add a fur kid to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group. Search for available cats and dogs at a shelter near you. You will pay a small adoption fee that will usually include spaying or neutering costs and vaccinations. At most shelters they will ask you to fill in an adoption form and they will request a home check. These safety measures are put in place to ensure that the dogs, cats, puppies or kittens are going to a loving home in a safe environment.
2. DONATE
Every animal shelter and rescue organization has bills to pay and your generous monetary donation will be gratefully accepted. Donations may be used to help cover the costs of daily operations, supplies, staff training, animal housing upgrades, community outreach programs, animal enrichment and so much more. Every little bit counts so find a shelter that is a registered NPO and set up a small debit order every month.
3. VOLUNTEER
Even if you can’t adopt a pet just now, you can help make life better for animals by volunteering with your local shelter or rescue organization. Do you have experience as a carpenter or electrician? Are you a web designer, marketing or fundraising whiz? All of these skills are valuable! Or perhaps you can volunteer to walk or groom the animals in the shelter.
4. SPONSOR
Can’t adopt? Then why not sponsor or vitually adopt a dog or cat in a shelter? Most shelters offer this option these days.
5. COLLECT
Shelters are always in need of food, toys, blankets, jerseys, beds, collars and leads and even cleaning equipment. Help them out by setting up a monthly collection at the office or social club or even at your child’s school. Shelter management are usually delighted to come and collect any donations. You could choose a shelter to collect for and ask them for a wish list.
6. BECOME A FOSTER
The value of fosters can’t be overrated. They can be lifesavers for pets who can’t adapt to shelter life, those who need to be nursed back to health and orphaned kittens or puppies who need someone to step in for their mom (or whose needs are beyond what busy shelter staff can often provide). Older dogs sometimes struggle to find homes so perhaps foster a golden oldie and help them to live out their lives in a warm and comfortable home.