5 Reasons To Support Your Local Animal Shelter

According to the latest homeless dog facts from ESDAW-EU, there are approximately 100 million abandoned animals across Europe.

Additionally, the U.S. has over 70 million stray animals, and 6 million end up in animal shelters.

It’s time to recognise the vital role that our local animal shelters play in our communities.

These shelters serve as beacons of hope, providing sanctuary and care to countless animals in need.

In this blog post, we will explore five compelling reasons why supporting your local animal shelter should be at the forefront of your mind and heart this year.

Join us as we embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and life-changing impact together.

Get ready to discover the power of love and the incredible difference you can make in the lives of these deserving creatures.

Homeless Dog Facts You Should Know

 

1. Over 50% of pet dogs entering U.K. shelters are intact (not neutered or spayed).

Therefore, about 2 million pups are born annually.

2. The only no-kill state in America is Delaware, with a no-kill rate of 92.9%.

3. The Netherlands is the world’s first country to have no homeless dogs.

4. Pit bulls are among the most abused purebred dogs in the world, and almost a million of them are euthanised yearly because of rehoming problems.

5. Some of the main reasons why people abandon their companion animals are the following:

Change of Lifestyle - some pet owners move to rental properties that don’t allow pets, allergies caused by the pet, and/or having a baby.

Age and Medical Issues - some animal companions develop an illness or medical conditions that take up too much of the owner’s time and money. 

Others would need additional care when they grow old.

Unwanted Litter - free-roaming intact pets are likely to get pregnant, resulting in unwanted animals.

Fur parents may have difficulty looking for loving homes for the pups or kittens and would often surrender the unwanted litter to rescue groups.

Behavioural Issues - pet owners who experience unwanted behaviour from their pets will likely give them up to their local shelters.

While heartbreaking, animal homelessness is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

This is where local shelters come in. Homeless pets find a safe place in animal rescue organisations while waiting for a permanent home and fur parents to love them.

Related: Pet Adoption vs Buying: Pros and Cons

5 Reasons Why You Should Support Your Local Animal Shelter

 

Your local shelter plays a crucial role in the community.

They provide care, shelter, and hope to countless homeless animals in need.

These shelters heavily rely on the support and involvement of the community to continue their life-saving work.

If you're wondering why you should support your local animal shelter, here are five compelling reasons to inspire you:

 

1. Saving Lives:

By supporting your local animal shelter, you become an integral part of the life-saving process.

Shelters serve as safe havens for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals.

Animal sanctuaries provide shelter dogs and cats with food, medical care, and a chance for a better life.

Your support can directly contribute to saving the lives of these vulnerable creatures, offering them a second chance and the opportunity to find a loving forever home.

Additionally, pet sanctuaries make sure that their shelter dogs and cats are given veterinary care, neutering and spaying, and the necessary shots before putting them up for adoption.

Spaying and neutering pets will help avoid adding to the large number of animals who might be brought to kill shelters.

2. Promoting Adoption:

Animal shelters are dedicated to finding suitable homes for their residents.

By supporting your local shelter, you actively promote the adoption of animals in need.

Every time you donate, volunteer or spread the word about shelter animals, you increase the chances of finding them loving families.

By adopting from a shelter, you help reduce the demand for puppy mills and pet stores.

Therefore, discouraging practices that often lead to pet overpopulation and the mistreatment of animals.

3. Community Well-being:

Local animal shelters benefit the entire community in numerous ways.

They help maintain public safety by addressing stray animal populations and preventing potential conflicts between humans and animals.

Moreover, many shelters offer pet owners education programs, animal control training resources, and behaviour counselling.

Thus, these programs help create responsible and compassionate animal guardians.

By supporting your local animal shelter, you contribute to building a more harmonious and caring community.

4. Emotional and Health Benefits:

 

Studies have consistently shown that being around animals can have profound positive effects on our mental and physical well-being.

Supporting your local animal shelter allows you to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals.

Whether it's through volunteering, fostering, or even just visiting the shelter, spending time with shelter animals can help reduce stress, combat loneliness, and increase happiness.

Your support not only helps the animals but also improves your own quality of life.

 

5. Cost-Effective and Comprehensive Care:

 

When you purchase a pet from a shop or breeder, the costs can be substantial. However, adopting from a shelter is a more budget-friendly option.

Adoption fees at shelters typically cover vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and sometimes even initial medical treatment.

These services, which would otherwise be expensive if obtained separately, are often included in the adoption fee.

Additionally, many shelters offer post-adoption support, including behavioural guidance, ensuring a seamless transition for you and your new Fluffy Friend.

Related: How To Prepare for a New Family Member

Final Thoughts

As animal lovers, we highly recommend the adoption of a stray dog or cat over purchasing from pet shops or breeders.

Still, it would ultimately be your choice to adopt from non-profit rescue organisations or buy from stores or breeders.

Pet breeders and shops offer specific breeds and pedigrees that may not be available in shelters.

Additionally, they have early life documentation of the animal’s lineage, which can help know the pet’s behavioural and physical traits.

On the other hand, by adopting, you open your heart to an animal in need, creating a mutually rewarding and fulfilling relationship.

Make an informed decision and consider the life-changing impact you can have by adopting from your local animal shelter.

If you decide on adopting from your local animal sanctuary, don’t forget to prepare for your new best friend by installing a car seat cover when you take them home.

Also, be ready with an adjustable feeding bowl as well as an anti-anxiety bed!

Related: How To Prepare When Adopting a Senior Cat

Conclusion

Supporting your local animal shelter remains as crucial as ever.

By recognising the importance of their work and actively contributing, you become an advocate for the voiceless, making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.

Let's remember that our local animal shelters are essential pillars of compassion and care.

They rely on the support and involvement of the community to continue their life-saving work.

Whether through donations, volunteering, spreading awareness, or adopting a shelter pet, every effort counts.

Together, let's commit to supporting our local animal shelters, creating a brighter future for animals in need, and fostering a more compassionate society for all beings.

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