Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person or a bearded dragon person, if you love animals, the thought of them being hurt or abandoned will break your heart. Sometimes you can feel utterly helpless, and that can be really upsetting; however, there are things you can do to help.
What to do if you find an abandoned animal yourself
If you have seen a stray dog that looks relatively healthy, you could contact your local council, vets or rescue center. Hopefully one of these authorities will be able to check their microchip and reunite them with their owner. However, if the animal looks to have been abused to mistreated, contact an animal rescue charity and tell them about the animal. Sometimes these animals could be scared or distressed and lash out so make sure you approach with caution and keep yourself safe at the same time.
Hold a fundraising event
If you want to help abandoned animals in general, you could hold a fundraising event to raise money for local animal shelters. The event doesn’t have to be anything huge, even a bake sale can help, and the money donated can go to saving, even more, animals, or allowing the shelter to feed and look after the animals they currently have in.
Volunteer at an animal sanctuary
For something a little more hands-on, why not become a volunteer for an animal sanctuary near you. You could help walk the dogs or feed the cats, or for something a little different, look towards a farm animal sanctuary that looks after animals such as pigs, horses, cows, goats, and sheep.
Donate Goods
If you can’t offer time or money, perhaps you have old blankets or comforters lying around. Animal charities will use these for bedding for the animals, so they are always gratefully received. Some of the animal rescue centers sell used goods, like a thrift shop, to help make money, so see whether any near you are looking for donations to sell. Have a good clear out and enjoy your newly clutter-free home, knowing you’ve donated your things to a great cause.
Adopt a pet
If you are looking for a new cat or dog, look towards an animal shelter and adopt one from there instead. That way you will be directly saving an animal as well as helping the shelter by giving them extra room to use for other animals. Some abused or abandoned animals can require a little more care or love, but if you’re up to the job it can be really rewarding! If you aren’t able to adopt, consider being a fosterer for animals, so you look after them on a short-term basis before they go to their forever home. This is a really great thing and works well for some people although be careful not to get too attached!
Report abuse
If you witness someone treating an animal poorly, make sure you report it to the correct authorities. This is the only way to stop the ill-treatment of animals, and you can do this anonymously, so you don’t have to put yourself in danger.
It’s sad to think that some people are willing to abandon their pets; however, if the rest of us do what we can we can help these poor animals.
