National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
11/08/2023
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
In 1996, the Humane Society of America began celebrating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week to encourage the public to understand the importance of their local animal shelter. Below are some ways you can help your local animal shelter.
Adopt
Bringing a pet into your home is a big responsibility that may not be right for everyone. Shelters encourage anyone thinking about adopting a pet to really consider if they have the time, space, and money to bring a new pet into their home. Shelters also encourage ‘adopting, not shopping’ to relieve overcrowded shelters. Not everyone is able to adopt a pet, and that is okay – there are plenty of other ways to help!
Visit their Social Media
Social media is an excellent way to help your local animal shelter. Shelters will often post lost animals, animals for adoption, and requests for needed supplies. If you share their post with your friends, who share the post with their friends, the shelter can reach many more people than it would have been able to reach on its own.
Volunteer
Many local animal shelters are non-profits who rely on volunteers to help with the many services shelters provide. Shelters do not just find homes for stray animals; they often also provide re-unification services, health services, behavioral evaluations, and much more! If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, contact your local shelter.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Pet owners can help animal shelters just by being responsible. Chipping, spaying/neutering, and keeping track of your pets allows shelters to help those animals truly in need. If you have dogs, make sure that when they are out of the house, they are wearing their collar with ID, and be sure to keep them on leashes. Keeping cats indoors is safest, especially in high traffic areas.
Donate Supplies
Donating supplies is an excellent way to help animal shelters. No donation is too small, and shelters are often in need of things like food, toys, blankets, paper towels, and other necessities. Contacting your local shelter or keeping an eye on their social media for donation requests is an excellent way to learn about their current needs.
Teach Kids to be Kind to Animals
The holiday season is fast approaching, and many well-meaning people may think a pet is a good gift for their children. However, many of these animals end up in shelters across the nation. Before bringing any pets home, make sure your child knows how to be gentle towards animals; some children may simply be too young to understand proper care. Being realistic about your family’s needs and the needs of an adopted animal can prevent having to surrender the animal to the shelter again.
Finally, it’s great to give a simple “thank you” to your local shelter! Show them that all they do is appreciated, and whether you take on the responsibility of giving an animal a home or simply donate your time, your local animal shelter will be appreciative.
P.S. If you would like to see some of the Team TSB’s rescue animals, visit our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TheSavingsBankOhio.
Sources:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-animal-shelter-appreciation-week/