Animal shelters need help year round. The high cost of keeping a pet coupled with the continued pet overpopulation problem means shelters are regularly packed with adoptable animals. However, the winter season brings with it a number of additional seasonal concerns. Here�s what to be aware of and how you might be able to help.
#1 Lack of Funds
During the winter and
particularly around the holiday season, every charity is asking for donations.
At the same time, people are spending a bit more money out of their household
budget. They�re buying gifts, spending money on traveling, and paying for traditional
holiday celebrations. In short, demand for funds is high and donations are low.
This is one of the most challenging times for animal shelters. The number of
animals in shelter generally increases during the winter months, which means
the demand for funds increases - yet donations tend to decrease.
#2 Lack of Volunteers
People tend to drop off
around the holiday season. Volunteer needs increase. This is particularly true
around the holiday season when volunteers need time off to go out of town and celebrate
the holidays. Additionally, as people stop in to find adoptable pets to give as
gifts, more staff is required to manage the demand. It�s the perfect time to
start volunteering if you�ve ever considered it.
#3 Increase in Pets
The wintertime is also a
difficult time for animal shelters which can become overfilled with adoptable
animals. More dogs get lost during the winter than any other season, which adds
to the increase. People realize they cannot afford their pets during the
holiday season, too. And many animals that were given as gifts during the
holidays are soon relinquished to the shelter. Giving animals as gifts isn�t
always a good idea.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways you
can help your local animal shelter this winter. Consider volunteering either in
an administrative capacity or by working with the animals. You can foster a pet
in your home, thus leaving more room in the shelter for animals. You can also
donate your money to help pay for the expense of sheltering animals during the
cold winter months.
If you don�t have time
or money to donate, consider donating pet care supplies like food, bedding,
toys and equipment. Most local animal shelters have an ongoing need for cat and
dog supplies. Finally, consider stepping in to help out during the holidays
when adoption rates are usually at an all-time high. It can be extremely
rewarding to help people and families bring home a new pet.
Article by: Clem C. Benton, Jr.
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