We've all had our hearts melt watching unlikely friends like a chicken and a cat becoming friends on TikTok or burst into tears when Sarah McLachlan's song Angel comes through the speakers. Rescue organizations love that stuff because it works. The ASPCA raised $30 million with McLachlan's 'Angel' campaign. The reason we are all so emotionally invested, is be cause we know how inherently wrong it is to allow animals to suffer. Take that feeling you get and put it to action. You don't need to adopt all the animals to make an impact. Here is a list of 10 ways you can help and not all of them require you to adopt 14 cats. 🐱
- Donate to animal charities: There are many organizations that work to protect and care for animals, and your donations can help them continue their important work. We donate to these three organizations, but there are so many great ones!
- Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group: This provides a loving home for an animal in need and frees up space for another animal to be rescued. You can also get one of those cool bumper stickers that says "My Rescue Dog Rescued Me!"
- Volunteer your time: Many animal shelters and rescue groups rely on volunteers to help care for the animals and perform other important tasks. A lot of times these same organizations will take donations of old towels and blankets.
- Spay or neuter your pets: This can help reduce the number of unwanted pets and prevent overpopulation.
- Don't support animal cruelty: This seems like a given, but animal cruelty can show up in subtle ways as a consumer. Be a conscious consumer and avoid products that are tested on animals or come from companies with a history of animal abuse.
- Support humane education: Encourage others to learn about and respect animals by supporting humane education programs in your community. Or check out some of these fun products that promote animal rescue.
- Foster a pet: If you're not able to adopt a pet permanently, consider fostering one. This provides a temporary home for an animal in need and helps free up space in shelters. Sometimes this can just be a short-term arrangement.
- Get involved in animal advocacy: Join animal protection organizations and lobby for animal-friendly policies in your local community and beyond.
- Provide safe haven for outdoor cats: If you see stray or outdoor cats in your neighborhood, consider building or purchasing a shelter for them to use during extreme weather conditions.
- Be a responsible pet owner: Properly care for your own pets by providing them with proper nutrition, medical care, and plenty of love and attention. Medical costs are on the rise for our pets and having pet insurance can help prevent hard decisions about care options.