YOU can make a tremendous impact in the lives of many homeless animals by lending a hand just a few hours a week or even a few hours a month. We are in critical need of volunteers.
• Organize a shelter drive – This is something you can do on your own or get a group of your friends together to help you out. You can collect items from our wish list that help us care for our shelter pets; make colorful posters and signs to hang up in your neighborhood, at your parent's work, on public notice boards, at school, etc. Once you have completed your collection, please let us know when you'll be dropping the items off so we can thank you personally!
• Fundraising – There are many ways you can raise money to help care for our pets. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but have fun and use your imagination!
- Have a bake sale
- Start a “A Penny for Pets” campaign at school or church
- Instead of birthday gifts, ask for gifts for cats and dogs to donate to the shelter
- Organize a yard sale and donate the proceeds to the shelter
• Spread the Word — Help teach your fellow students about animals and shelters in your area. When you do your next school paper or science fair project, try to keep it animal-oriented. Ask your school librarian to display books and magazines that focus on animal issues. Ask your school newspaper if you can contribute a short article relating to animal welfare. Post information on your MySpace page. There are several issues you can discuss; spay/neutering of pets, exotic animals as pets, shelter vs. pet stores/breeders, humane treatment of wildlife, why vaccinating your pets is important etc.
• Teach by Example — Show your friends and family the right way to be a responsible pet owner. Make sure your pets and pets you know have an ID tag and are michrochipped. If your pet ever gets lost, this will aid in getting him back home. Your pet cannot tell people where he lives, the ID tag and microchip are the only ways that someone can contact you to reunite you with your pet. Get a current license for your pet, it's the law. Any dog or cat over the age of 4 months must be vaccinated against rabies. Send proof of the vaccination to the County and you will get a tag for your animal that proves the dog or cat is licensed and vaccinated.
Make sure your pet gets proper food. Dogs eat dog food and cats eat cat food. Each has it's own specific dietary needs. You should limit “people food”. There are several foods that are safe for humans that are poisonous for cats and dogs (such as chocolate, onions, raisins and grapes).
Always make sure your pet has clean, fresh water! Most animals are unable to go to the refrigerator and pour themselves a drink. You are responsible for making sure they have clean water at all times. Cats, especially require a regular intake of water throughout the day to maintain healthy kidney function.
Exercise your pet every day. It is healthy for them and you. Take your dog out for a long walk, drag toys for your cat to chase and hunt, etc.. Even if your dog has a back yard to play in, it's still important to take them out for a walk each day. Imagine if you had to be stuck in your house all day, every day—even though you could walk around inside your house, you'd still go stir crazy not being able to explore other places and your dogs are no different! Providing your pets with daily exercise and entertainment will help them be healthier and happier, it also helps prevent unwanted “bad” behaviors like excessive barking, chewing and scratching.
• Be An Animal Friend — Make a pledge:
