by Nancy Houser

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

Local shelters provide care for all types of animals-adult dogs, puppies, mixed breeds, purebreds, rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, rodents, amphibians, and even birds. The best thing about adopting a shelter animal is they are all screened for behavioral issues and good health, with assistance in neutering and spaying them. But presently most shelters are overloaded, underfunded, and understaffed due to the current recession.

This past year alone over 8 million pets have been left at local animal shelters with only 50% adopted out, meaning that the remaining half were euthanized. With this number continuously rising and less adoptees going out, finding economical ways to support your local animal shelter is one of the most humane ways you can help homeless animals today. Animal shelters rely entirely on the support of caring local animal lovers who are concerned about their community's animal issues, able to help out in many ways.

Help Local Animal Shelters By Being Responsible For Your Own Pets

The most economical way to support your local animal shelter is to be responsible for your own pets so they will not become another casualty for your local animal shelter:

*Make sure they are spayed or neutered.

*Keep current identification on your dog or cat all the time.

*Keep your pet confined in a safe yard or large kennel.

*Supply enough food, water, shelter and vet care.

*Provide your pet with basic obedience training.

*Provide plenty of exercise for our pet (minimum of one hour walking or steady exercising).

*Provide adequate vet care and medical attention.

*Always love your pet and give them lots of attention.

Volunteering At Local Animal Shelters

Free labor from volunteers is always needed from caring citizens. Animal control programs are the responsibility of each individual for their town or city, making sure that animal shelters are sufficiently funded and supported by sufficient staff and volunteers.

To accomplish this, interested volunteers can freely offer their services for the best possible care for the shelter and its animals, making sure the shelters are successful and able to operate to capacity. Many volunteer forms are available to be filled-out online, or by contacting the local shelter directly. Most shelters require Orientation in order to understand what needs to be done at the shelter.

~ Positions open for volunteers will vary depending on each shelter: dog walkers, bathers, groomers, poster distributor, bank collectors, grounds

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>