An estimated 6.3 million pets enter animal rescue centers in the United States each year, and around 920,000 will be euthanized. Thankfully, the number of pet adoptions is increasing, but millions of animals are still searching for a loving home. With little to no government funding, rescue centers and animal rescue organizations desperately need support from the animal-loving public to give these pets a second chance at life. Rehoming is the ultimate goal for these animals; however, not everyone is in a position to adopt a pet. The good news is that there are several ways you can help support animal rescue even when you are unable to adopt a pet.
Depending on the reason why you cannot adopt a pet, fostering might be a viable alternative. Fostering rescue animals involves temporarily taking an animal into your home and caring for them until a permanent home can be found. This can help animal rescues in a number of ways. First and foremost, it can ease the pressure on overflowing rescue centers by freeing up space for incoming animals that may need more specialized care. It is also an excellent way to socialize younger animals who may have no previous experience of living in a family home. For some pets, the hustle and bustle of a rescue center can be stressful, so finding them a foster home can be a temporary reprieve to help ease anxiety. It's also a good option to test the waters of pet ownership before you fully commit if you are still determining if you are ready to adopt a pet.
If opening your home to a rescue animal, even temporarily, is not an option, consider donating some of your free time to a local animal rescue center. You can offer support in a variety of ways, including walking dogs, playing with animals, grooming, cleaning cages, helping with adoption drives, or even helping with office admin. An extra pair of hands is always appreciated, and the pets will love a little extra attention that busy staff members may not always be able to offer.
Funding can be tight for animal rescues, so even if you cannot adopt a pet, you can help support the animals by donating much-needed supplies. Some animal rescue centers will have Amazon wish lists available, but as a general rule, most will accept food, toys, blankets, newspapers, and other pet supplies. Check your local rescue center's social media platforms to see if they are asking for any donations, or give them a call to find out what they might need. Financial donations are also appreciated.
Even if you are unable to adopt a pet, you could lend your voice to animals in need by becoming an animal advocate. There are many ways you can advocate for animals in need. A growing number of rescue centers are turning to social media to drive adoption and promote their mission. If you have a strong social media presence of your own, why not use it to help promote rescue organizations or raise interest in long-term shelter residents looking for a home? You could also work on promoting animal rights issues. If you want to take things a step further, you can look at welfare issues at local, state, or federal levels and get involved with policymakers. This can include writing to your local representative or getting involved in grassroots lobbying. You can find information about current animal welfare issues on the ASPCA website. Some of the issues you might want to lend your support to include:
Another great way to support animal rescue is to adopt a pet from American Pet Rescues! Our quality stuffed animals are each modeled on a real rescue animal and are supplied with a copy of that animal's rescue story. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to the concept of animal rescue from an early age and can be used as a stepping stone between now and the time you are ready to adopt a pet. The best part is that all proceeds from selling our quality stuffed animals are put directly into our goal of building a new animal rescue center in the East Tennessee area.
These are just a few of the things you can do to support animal rescue even if you are unable to adopt a pet yourself. If you need more information or want to donate to American Pet Rescues, feel free to contact us via our website or by calling 865-800-0787.
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American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.
Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.
American Pet Rescues is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
© American Pet Rescues, Inc. 2024