Animal shelters always need your help, and there’s a great need right now. “Animal Welfare has not been in such a dire state for more than 20 years,” says Sue Bell, executive director of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue.
Here’s how NoVA shelters say you can support their efforts.
Adopt or Foster a Pet
The best way you can help a shelter? Adoption. “Shelters are full across the country, and for every space created by rescuing or fostering a dog at least two dogs are saved — the one you foster and the one who takes that spot,” says Erin Shackelford with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Fostering is a great option if you are not able to adopt. It doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment: You can foster for a week, a weekend, or after medical care. Help fostering large dogs is needed the most, Shackelford says.
Donate Money or Supplies
Veterinary costs have skyrocketed, and that has put a huge strain on shelters’ resources, according to Kim Roberts of the Homeless Animals Rescue Team. Monetary donations are a lifesaver for many animals needing care. Shelters also welcome donations, such as unopened dog or cat food, kitty litter, bleach, laundry detergent, and treats. Another option: Friends of Homeless Animals runs the Treasure Hound resale shop in Chantilly. Donated items like jewelry, clothes, and household decorations are sold to support its mission.
Volunteer
If you prefer to donate your time, become a volunteer. Shelters need extra hands for everything from caring for the pets to scrubbing kennels to vetting potential foster families to doing laundry. Volunteers can help by transporting pets to veterinarians or to foster families. Assistance is always needed at adoption events. Lots of people volunteer on weekends, so think about helping on weekdays when there is a greater need. Be patient when you reach out, Shackelford says. Shelters may be short-handed, and it may take a while for them to get back to you.
Get the Word Out
To help remotely, spread the word about upcoming shelter adoption events or fundraisers on your social media feeds, and encourage your friends and family to share the events on their feeds as well. Consider creating a fundraising link for your local shelter on Facebook or Instagram on your birthday, in lieu of gifts. You can also volunteer to take pictures of pets up for adoption for the shelter, help with website design and maintenance, or hang signs around the community about coming events.
Spay, Neuter, and Microchip
Spaying or neutering pets aids in reducing pet overpopulation and provides some health benefits to dogs and cats, including fewer infections, eliminating some cancer risks, and longer lifespans. “The No. 1 thing I would say that every pet owner can do to help support shelters is to spay/neuter their pet and get them microchipped,” says Talia Czapski of Loudoun County Animal Services. “We offer free microchips for Loudoun County residents. You can reach out to your county shelter to see if they offer a similar program.”
Feature image by Hedgehog94/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
