The holiday season is a time for sharing, caring, and giving. If you are looking to get involved with your local community this year, consider donating your time or money to help less fortunate pets in need. Many organizations will appreciate any amount you can give – even if it’s just a few dollars! Here are three ways to get started right now: 

#1: Volunteer at a local animal shelter

No better present exists than the gift of time when looking for ways to help others. Animal shelters can always use a pair of extra hands, whether they’re cleaning kennels, feeding pets, walking dogs, or playing with cats. If you have time to spare, consider volunteering wherever needed at your local animal shelter, and make it a year-round activity, instead of just a holiday-driven one.

#2: Donate needed supplies or cash to an animal rescue organization

In addition to needing more hands to help care for the pets housed in their facilities, animal shelters always need more supplies. Providing warm bedding, healthy food, and enrichment activities requires resources that always seem to be in short supply, so consider helping your local shelter out. Advertise on social media that you’re holding a pet supply drive for your local animal shelter and collect donations from family and friends. Consider going through your pet’s supplies as well and donating clean toys, leashes, collars, and bedding they no longer use. And toss an extra bag of food in your cart when picking up your pet’s food to donate to an animal rescue organization.

#3: Foster a homeless pet

The ultimate way to help give back to your local pet community this holiday season is by opening your home to a less fortunate pet. Although shelter pets are doted on by the employees and volunteers, nothing replaces the feeling of being home for the holidays. If you have the space—and your current pet approves—foster a homeless pet to give them a second chance. Fostered pets can let their true personalities shine through in a home, giving potential adopters a better idea of how they’ll act after settling in with their new family.  

If you’re interested in fostering a homeless pet, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations before taking home another cat or dog. Give our team a call to schedule their appointment