Apr 01, 2024 | By, For Pet's Sake

5 local ways to help animals in your community 

Volunteering at a local nonprofit organization is one of the many ways to engage positively with your community. From food banks to community clean-up events, numerous charities and foundations offer volunteering opportunities to individuals, schools, and groups. In addition to helping those in need, volunteering is a beneficial way to improve your communication skills, expand your social network, and improve personal well-being through acts of kindness and gratitude. 

For animal enthusiasts, volunteering with shelters and organizations and supporting animal charities provides a meaningful avenue to promote the betterment of animals, from domestic pets to wildlife—and it can be done in your own community. If you are interested in contributing to the welfare of animals locally, here are the best ways to get involved.  

  1. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Your city’s animal shelters are prime locations for volunteering with animals. Whether you’re fulfilling community service hours or seeking a fun and impactful way to spend your weekends, shelters often welcome volunteers to walk animals, clean the facilities, and assist staff in their daily tasks. 
  2. Make a donation. Contributing financially to animal shelters and other organizations is a small yet impactful way to support the animals in your community. Donating money and old pet supplies such as cages, beds, and other usable items is an easy way to both recycle old items and help the animals near you. 
  3. Foster a pet. Fostering is a fun way to help eliminate overcrowding in shelters and socialize pets for future adoption into loving homes. Fostering a pet is also a great opportunity for pet owners and lovers to gain some additional companionship and, most importantly, teach them the skills necessary to live happily with other humans and pets. 
  4. Advocate for animal legislation. Your community continuously works to uphold animal welfare through various regulations; however, some areas are still in desperate need of improvement. By engaging in community outreach and collaborating with grassroots programs, you can help advocate for changes in animal legislation meant to improve their living conditions, keep them out of harm’s way, and save lives. 
  5. Adopt a pet. Finally, if volunteering just isn’t enough to keep you away from a wagging tail, consider adopting a pet from your local shelter if you’re ready for a long-term commitment of love, responsibility, and nurture. The overcrowding of animal shelters is a national issue, and choosing to adopt rather than supporting unethical backyard breeders and pet mills combats overpopulation and helps decrease euthanasia. 

Whether you’re sweeping shelters or petitioning puppy mills, even the smallest acts of service can benefit the lives of animals everywhere! 

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at drdevonsmith.com.