National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

The week of November 6-12 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and with around 6-8 million homeless animals in the United States, these facilities deserve some recognition!  Here are a few ways that you can get involved and make a difference too:

• Consider adopting a pet.  Not only are you giving a needy animal a great home, you are freeing up a place and resources for another homeless animal within the shelter system. And remember, we will give your adopted pet a free first exam, parasite check, and rabies vaccine!
• Volunteer.  Get in touch with your local shelter and find out how you can help.  Not all volunteering is cleaning cages and walking dogs.  Your local shelter may need help with fundraising, graphic design, or other areas in which you may have some expertise.
• Donate.  While money is always nice, many times shelters are in need of other items like blankets, towels, food, and the like.  Ask your local shelter what types of items they may need.  Consider initiating a pet food drive or something similar within your church, school, workplace, or community.
• Set an example.  Be sure your pets are spayed or neutered (further helping the pet over-population problem) and are properly identifiable with tags and/or a microchip.

There are countless ways that you can make an impact on the shelter system in your area.  And what better time to get involved?