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Can't Adopt? Try...

So you can't adopt a pet right now but still want to help homeless shelter animals? There are so many things you can do that benefit animal shelters and rescues, for free! 

FOSTER

It's temporary! If you're not ready for a life-long commitment, fostering may be for you! Ideally, you keep the pet until they're adopted. Most animal shelters and rescues can provide food and some supplies for fostering their animals. 

Learn more about fostering and what it takes:  https://petsandpeopletogether.org/foster-a-cat-or-dog

Why is it important? 

 Fostering helps animal shelters to free up space in their open-door facility. Fosters are crucial for non-profit animal rescues that don't have a facility to operate out of. An animal in a foster home that's quiet greatly reduces the animals stress. They also learn house-manners and maybe even some basic obedience! You'll get to know the pets personality well and this can help them find great adopters. 


DONATE

Of course, monetary donations are incredibly important for shelters and rescues and nonprofits rely on those donations to operate. If that isn't an option for you, you can purchase items off of the organizations Amazon or Chewy wish lists! Purchases are shipped to the facility directly. Alternatively, if you have old (but clean) blankets, towels and sheets, lots of organizations are always in need of those items. Donations of newspapers, pet food, pet treats and toys are often needed (check with your local organization first!). 

Why is it important? 

Monetary donations can fund anything from pet food to vaccinations. Some organizations have programs that help the community like spay and neuter clinics and your donation may go towards that, for example. Shelters and rescues don't always have the funding for bedding, treats, toys, etc., so even donating those items used is such a help to the animals in the shelter.  


SHARE

Sharing and cross-posting adoptable pets in your area on various social media sites can greatly increase their risk of being seen and adopted (or fostered!). A simple Facebook post could reach the right person. Posting adoptable pets in your area on your neighborhood Nextdoor site is also a great way to spread the word about local animals! You could even print fliers to drop off at local businesses or community centers, bulletin boards, etc.  Free templates coming soon!

Why is it important? 

Even if the people you reach can't adopt, they may be inclined to check out the organizations other services or make a donation. Getting more eyes on these animals greatly increases their chances of being adopted or fostered. Posting on social media is free and doesn't take up much of your time, but can make a world of difference to an animal in a shelter. 

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