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Guest Columnist Jessica Brody
According to the ASPCA, more than 6.3 million animals enter shelters across the U.S each year. Many of these pets have been abandoned or neglected, which is truly heartbreaking. Want to do your part and plug in to help? Today, Brevard Humane Society shares precisely how you can do so.
Start At Home
If volunteering your time is too much of a commitment right now, here are the ways you can plug in from home:
- Sign a petition: Check out sites like iPetitions or Change.org to find petitions for animal causes you care about.
- Proper care for your pet: Research shows that many pets are malnourished and lack exercise. Regular examinations are also a must.
- Teach compassion: If you are a role model, teach about kindness, generosity, and understanding when it comes to animals, so the future generation grows up to care appropriately for pets.
Actively Give Back
There are many ways to give back to animals and help prevent animal cruelty. Here are some ways to actively participate in the cause:
- Fundraising: Check in with local shelters like the Brevard Humane Society to see if they need monetary assistance or participate in a fundraiser.
- Volunteer: Resources like The Humane Society and Volunteer World are excellent for finding local volunteer agencies
- Foster/adopt: Be sure to familiarize yourself with what fostering or adopting entails before deciding if this is the right course of action for you.
Caring Means Ongoing Support
If you want to truly commit to your case, try to keep your efforts moving on an ongoing basis. Here’s how:
- Media: Partnering with local media outlets such as newspapers, radio stations, and news channels can be a powerful strategy for animal rescue organizations. By collaborating with these platforms, you can share touching stories of rescued animals, highlighting their journeys from hardship to hope.
- Marketing: While spreading the word via social media is a must, traditional approaches like posters are essential, too; online tools and guides can walk you through how to make a poster for free.
- Donating: Shelters can always put high-quality products to use. Consider things they may need, such as escape-proof harnesses, when donating items. Consult a free resource for pet lovers for the best options.
One in four animals experiences cruelty and neglect in their lifetime, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s time to step up and take action! Use the resources mentioned above to get started on helping animals.