No matter if it’s today, tomorrow, or the next day – animals will always need our help to care for and protect them. If you’re an animal lover looking to help the animals you love thrive, then maybe you should consider some of the ways we’ve outlined below. Your choice to help will probably end up doing a world of good for so many animals in need.
And if that’s not fulfilling, there’s probably not much else that is. Why not try your hand at helping an animal in need.
How Can You Help Animals In Shelters On A Daily Basis?
While you can always call up or visit your local animal shelter to volunteer or provide aid, there are plenty of other opportunit
While you can always call up or visit your local animal shelter to volunteer or provide aid, there are plenty of other opportunities to do some good. Below we’ve highlighted important ways to go about helping animals in shelters. These are just suggestions to try out.
1. Go Cruelty-Free
Cruelty-free products are becoming more commonplace as we tighten laboratory practices and modernize our understanding of testing on animals. Cruelty Free International is committed to breaking the use of animals in laboratory settings. They have even established a program called The Leaping Bunny, which certifies brands as cruelty-free if they have met rigorous global standards and have gone above the laws that currently govern animal testing. Once approved, and with ongoing audits, can a brand display the logo.
By buying cruelty-free and properly accredited products, you can have a hand in making a more humane laboratory process. For more information on cruelty-free brands and products, check out Cruelty Free International’s Product Search. And if you’re in the store looking for cleaning or beauty products, look for the leaping bunny icon as shown below. This ensures that your product is cruelty-free and properly accredited.
2. Help Change Laws
The idea of changing laws related to animal rights may seem incredibly daunting to many, especially if you are not well-versed in the laws that currently exist. However, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is a great resource to understand how certain laws come into place and how they can be changed. At its core, the ALDF works to:
- File high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm
- Provide free legal assistance and training to prosecutors
- Support animal protection legislation
- Provide resources and opportunities for law students and professionals to advance in animal law
And if that’s not fulfilling, there’s probably not much else that is. Why not try your hand at helping an animal in need.
The ALDF also has a page dedicated to taking action by adding your voice to the numerous initiatives that work to improve the lives of animals through the legal system. You can take action against injustice and get involved with national and local initiatives.
3. Participate In Social Media Campaigns
Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and serve our communities at large. That being said, you can even start your own campaign to serve your local community or shelter in need. The ASPCA has detailed 5 social media tips to promote animals in shelters or rescues.
- Use Videos – You can use this guide to record the best videos
- Instagram Stories – Use hashtags, locations, stickers, or a virtual adoption event
- Facebook Tools – Create events and drive traffic to the shelter/rescue in need
- TikTok – Creative videos can captivate thousands (even millions) of people
- Hashtags – Use hashtags on Instagram and Twitter to increase reach
Whether you’re looking to join an existing social media campaign or create your own, there is plenty of room for all. Get in touch with your local shelter and see how your social media skills can make a huge difference.
4. Sponsor An Animal
The World Wildlife Fund largely popularized the concept of sponsoring an animal. Now, thanks to the power of the internet, you can sponsor wild animals to protect their habitats and health. Best Friends Animal Society also allows individuals the option to sponsor an animal in need. With a quick search you can find many opportunities to sponsor animals around the world.
CUDDLY also offers our own sponsorship program, in what we call our Rescue Wishlist. Here you can see every animal in need, and donate food, toys, treats, medicine –
basically whatever is needed. It’s our hope, like so many other organizations, that all animals are cared for and loved as they deserve to be.
5. Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Use this as an excuse to purchase some eco-friendly pet products if you’re looking to make more environmentally friendly choices all around. Your choice of poop bags and cat litter can add up after a while. To combat them ending up in a landfill, try looking for products that are 100% biodegradable, compostable, and even those made with renewable resources.
Your small change could make a world of a difference in the community and for future generations.
6. Collect Supplies To Donate To Shelters
This doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking. You could start by buying a small bag of dog or cat food to donate to your local shelter. From there, talk with volunteers and staff about what is most needed and ask neighbors or friends if they’re willing to donate. If you’ve had pets over the years, you’ve probably collected your fair share of leashes, collars, toys, and blankets that went unused for one reason or another.
You can also check out our guide on supplies for new puppies to see what shelters may need as well. CUDDLY also has so many Pet Pantry donation options that support shelters and rescues around the country. Always give what you can and know that the appreciation is most certainly immeasurable.
7. Contribute To A Fundraiser Or Crowdfunding
At CUDDLY we have successfully funded 27.6K campaigns and raised $47.1M in total donations. Our crowdfunding campaign is a 501(c)(3) verified for shelter and rescue partners. Shelters directly receive every donation you send, and you get email updates to see the impact of your donation. We want you to actually see how your donation matters.
If you want to get involved today, check out our Wishlist Gift Program to donate directly to a pet in need. Your contribution is always appreciated, no matter the amount or type.
8. Foster An Animal
Fostering an animal is a great way to build up their confidence and socialization before adoption. It also alleviates the possibility of overpopulation in animal shelters and rescues. You could even build a strong enough relationship with an animal that you end up becoming their forever foster.
Either way, fostering is a great way to connect with an animal and enjoy their companionship before they find their best forever home.
9. Report Any Signs Of Animal Abuse
You should always speak up if you see signs of animal abuse. Your report to the appropriate local authorities could save a poor animal from an undeserved life. The ASPCA recommends having as much information as possible before reporting. It helps to include a factual, concise statement of your observations with dates and times.
They also recommend including the names/contact information of the people involved or those with additional firsthand knowledge. You can then include any lawfully obtained photos or videos in your report.
While it is possible to file an anonymous report, the case has a better chance with credible witnesses and statements.
You can visit the National Link Coalition for more information on how to report animal abuse in your state.
10. Help Your Local Spay And Neuter Programs
Spaying and neutering pets is actually the best for them. This prevents overpopulation and helps to keep the level of stray animals down. You can even volunteer in local spaying and neutering programs that are run by the community or local animal shelter.
11. Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Shelters are always in need of volunteers from all backgrounds. Some need people to fill roles of handling and caring for animals. And others are in need of administrative roles to handle adoption paperwork, social media outreach, medical aid, and even transportation. CUDDLY can even help you find shelters and rescues near you by using our search option. Our list covers the entire U.S. so there could be an option close to you
that works. Once you locate a close animal shelter or animal rescue, be sure to contact them and ask how to get started as a volunteer.
Other Ways You Can Help Animal Shelters On A Daily Basis
While the above ways to help are top reasons, there are plenty of others to consider, depending on your background. And even more than that, there is always the potential to run a new program for the community to enjoy. Some shelters run programs that bring shelter animals into nursing homes or libraries to read with people and receive some much needed animal therapy.
Try getting your friends and families involved in the effort. Animal shelters are always looking for safe, reliable drivers to transport animals to veterinarians and adoption events. You could even get a group together to help run an adoption event. The opportunities are endless for you to help an animal in need.
For more ideas on how communities are working together to help animal shelters nationwide, stay up to date with the CUDDLY Blog. You never know when your next big idea could spark.
