Change a Pet's Life Day
Every day, we do so much for the pets in our lives by expressing our love, encouraging them, feeding them the best possible food, and making their lives more enjoyable with playtime and treats. But what about the pets, literally millions, who have no homes? How can we help them? Is the only option to adopt a pet? The great news is that there are SO many ways, utilizing whatever time or resources you have available.
“Change a Pet’s Life Day,” every January 24th, was created to help raise awareness for the many pets in need and to encourage adoption. But adoption is not the only way to impact the lives of animals waiting for their forever homes. Read on!
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ADOPT A COMPANION
If all the people who love pets adopted a first (or second or third) shelter or homeless pet, the shelters would be empty! Adopting a homeless pet is the single biggest thing you can do to change a pet’s day and life. A simple online search, for example, “pet adoption near me,” should bring up results. There are pet adoption centers and shelter organizations in nearly every large city like ASPCA, Humane Society, and Best Friends Animal Society. Many cities and towns have their own city-run shelter, and there are a growing number of small rescue groups everywhere that offer pets for adoption. Many organizations hold adoption fairs, sometimes in pet stores.
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FOSTER
Fostering is a great alternative to adopting. You can be a foster parent for dogs, cats, and a variety of other rescued animals in need including birds, reptiles, rabbits, and more! It generally does not require a long-term commitment, and if it doesn’t work out, the shelter or rescue group will take the animal back. You will have no responsibility for vet care costs. Generally, you provide good food and love. There are many organizations, large and small, in every city and most smaller communities have at least one pet adoption organization.
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VOLUNTEER
Nearly all shelters and rescue groups rely on volunteer help to function. There are often countless ways to volunteer that can fit every interest level and schedule. It might be walking dogs, chatting with prospective adopters on the phone or in person, helping with social media posts, taking cute photographs of animals, and the list goes on.
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DONATE
Any amount, even $5, can be beneficial to animals in need. If there’s a particular group or groups you love, you might want to be a monthly donor with a small automatic deduction that you may not even miss! Many shelters and rescue groups can also use donations of food, towels, toys, and more. Some groups have Amazon wish lists that make it easy to send food and needed supplies directly to the rescue group. If you’re not sure how to help, a search like, “donate to animal shelters” will bring up some options.
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SHARE AND SPREAD AWARENESS
Follow animal organizations on social media, and be active in sharing the pets whose stories resonate with you. It’s so important that animals in need reach the largest audience possible. Your share may help place the next animal in need of a home. Also spread the word about lost animals in your community.
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TREASURE YOUR PETS
Change a Pet’s Life Day can also include your own beloved pets. Can you find time to give your pet extra play time? For both dogs and cats, play time is not only bonding, but it may be the best part of your pet’s day. Consider signing up for a new training class for you and your dog. Be sure to schedule annual wellness checks for your pet. Most pets conceal illness and veterinarians can detect problems before they become more serious. Review cat-safety recommendations including checking the security of your window screens and remove or make inaccessible any plants that are toxic.
Changing the life of a pet can happen not only on Change a Pet’s Life Day, but all year round! This day can be a great reminder to not only celebrate your own beloved pets, but can be a reminder that there are so many animals in need who will benefit greatly from anything you can do to help.
Steph Mueller is a retired college teacher who has done animal rescue work as a volunteer for over 20 years, not only in New York City but in South America and with a branch of the SPCA in Europe. She works with The Pet Market part-time as a consultant on promotions and special projects.