Posted: April 9, 2008, 5 a.m. EST
This April, pitch in and celebrate National Volunteer Month by helping homeless dogs and cats at your local animal shelter. According to the America Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, eight to 12 million companion animals enter shelters in the United States each year. Local animal shelters and humane societies appreciate help in all forms.
1. Do you know someone who wants a dog or cat companion? Encourage friends and family to adopt a pet from an animal shelter.
2. Volunteer at a shelter and socialize dogs and cats waiting for adoption, clean their cages, or help with other tasks around the facility.
3. If you’re worried that allergies might get in the way of volunteering, help by stuffing envelopes for mailings, publicizing adoption events, or teaching humane education at local schools.
4. Shelters always appreciate monetary donations. Every penny counts!
5. Give a pet a home.
6. Provide a foster home for a dog or cat awaiting adoptions. Overflowing shelters appreciate individuals who temporarily take dogs into their homes. Foster homes especially help dogs who are shy and need socialization.
7. Donate food, toys, treats, old blankets, towels, and other items that your local shelter needs.