Shelter Me, an organization that advocates for shelter pets, has designated September as Visit an Animal Shelter Month.
The goal is to get more people to visit their local shelters and to let them know simple ways to help improve the lives of shelter pets.
“Animal shelters need our help,” says Steven Latham, the producer and director of the Shelter Me TV series. “Public animal shelters are a part of our communities. People can donate supplies, volunteer, adopt, foster and spend time with the pets. Every little bit helps.”
Here are ways people can help their local shelters:
- You don’t need to go to the shelter just to adopt. Don’t let fear or misconceptions stop you from going. Even if you already have pets or can’t have a pet, your help is still needed. Find out where your local shelter is and just stop by and have a look around.
- When you visit your shelter, ask what they need donated. Many shelters need blankets, towels, newspapers, cleaning supplies, toys, food, gift cards and money.
- Spend time with a pet. Having a dog or cat in a play area is so beneficial. The pet gets some exercise and interaction and becomes less stressed. This helps when other people visit and are considering adopting.
- Taking great photos and posting them on social media sites with information about the pet lets people know that they’re at the shelter.
- Have a child’s birthday party in honor of shelter pets. This is a great way for kids to help pets in need, learn about giving back and do fun activities like bring donated gifts to the shelter animals they are helping.
- Consider fostering. A lot of the animals would benefit from a temporary home. Discuss with your local shelter how you can bring a pet home while looking for a permanent situation.
- The shelters need more volunteers. It’s an incredibly important and rewarding thing to do. You can walk, bathe and train dogs and offer your professional skills.
- Bring a friend who has never been to a shelter or visit another nearby shelter. Contact schools and organizations like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to organize field trips.
- The pets at our shelters are waiting for new homes. Adopting a shelter pet is one of the best things you will ever do.
ABOUT SHELTER ME – ShelterMe.tv
Shelter Me is a project that raises awareness about shelter pets and provides tools to get people involved with their local shelters. Shelter Me includes a PBS series that celebrates shelter pets with positive and uplifting stories.
Source -http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/september-is-visit-an-animal-shelter-month-222511751.html