Millions of Pets Need Homes. How You Can Help!

6.3 million.

That’s how many cats, dogs, and pets enter U.S. animal shelters each year.

Sadly, these surrenders or strays simply have nowhere else to go. A warm bed, safe place to sleep, and caring human family…that’s the dream for millions of animals nationwide. Of course, as a pet parent yourself, you have probably wondered, “How can I help animals in need?”

Today on Petting Bliss, we invite readers to learn about 4 easy ways you can help rescues, shelters, and animal adoption agencies!

How Can I Help My Local Animal Shelter?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (ASPCA), with sky-high inflation, the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and return to work mandates, there has been a surge in pet surrenders.

So, here are 4 ways anyone (including you!) can help pets find the purrrfect home.

• Adopt a Pet
  
  Looking to add a fur baby to your home? Adopting a pet is a fantastic way to help animals in need. In fact, you could be saving a life – literally. Rather than buy from a breeder, go visit your local animal shelter and talk to staff about adoptable pets.
  
  
• Foster
  
  Next, why not think about fostering a kitten, cat, puppy, or dog? This is a great option for folks who love to travel but still want to help for a shorter period of time.
  
  
• Volunteer
  
  Third, volunteers are the heartbeat of animal shelters nationwide. From walking dogs to feeding formula to baby kittens and socializing with bunnies and birds, volunteering even 1 – 2 hours per week is a gigantic help.
  
  
• Donate
  
  Lastly, consider making a monetary donation. Hosting a fundraiser or contributing a small monthly amount goes towards buying food and supplies for shelter animals. Likewise, you can always donate items such as collars, leashes, blankets, towels, toys, treats, etc.

With so many pets currently waiting for their fur-ever home, it’s never been a better time to help shelter animals!

 Want more paw-some pet content about rescuing animals? Read The Story of Billy.