Four Ways to Celebrate Shelter Pets Day Without Adopting
If you’re looking to give back this Shelter Pets Day, but aren’t looking to adopt, we have you covered! In celebration of Shelter Pets Day, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to celebrate shelter pets day without adopting shelter pets. Whether you become a pet shelter volunteer, hold a pet food drive, or collect pet shelter donations, you can make a difference.
- Volunteer your time! Becoming a pet shelter volunteer is another great way to celebrate Shelter Pets Day, as you can give back to the shelter that houses and cares for animals. You could volunteer in any number of capacities. For example, you could help with administrative work such as data entry, or cleaning cages and kennels. You may also be able to assist in other areas, like walking dogs, assisting staff with adoptions, or training.
- Raise money for a local shelter. Give back on Shelter Pets Day by raising money for a local animal shelter and donating that money to the organization. You could organize a fund drive in your community, work, school, or on your social media page to make a bigger impact. You can also donate directly to national organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA, or any local pet rescue organization—like our friends at LovePup Foundation, GrandPaws Pantry, or the Arizona Humane Society. If you are able, consider making a donation in honor of someone’s birthday or another occasion.
- Donate basic supplies to pet shelters. Pet supplies help the shelter keep its animals warm and fed. It’s a simple way to help animals in need without taking on any additional responsibilities. Shelters often need pet supplies such as litter, bedding, toys, bowls, collars, and leashes. Blankets and towels are also necessary items that can be donated during Shelter Pets Day. And don’t forget cleaning supplies! The shelters need these items even more than food at this time of year. Many animals are brought into shelters during the winter when they’re more likely to contract illness from dirty kennels or cold weather exposure.
- Make an animal adoption care package to donate. Adopting an animal can be cost-prohibitive for many people. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could put together an adoption care package that includes everything they need when the pet finds a furever home—a collar, leash, food bowls, bedding, and a toy.
See? Helping shelter pets is easier than you might have thought, but best of all, you don’t need to wait for a special day to make it happen—all you have to do is act to make a difference in the life of a shelter pet. Thanks for all you do, and Happy Holidays to all from the AZPetVet team!