Quarantine life may be rough, but you can make it better with a little more “ruff!” October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, meaning you can help change the life of a furry friend and make yours better along the way. Think about it—they’re cuddly, cute... and they aren’t called “man’s best friend” for no reason. While you’re spending more time at home these days, check out these five ways to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
1. Adopt or Foster a Dog
The most obvious way to partake in Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is to actually adopt. Get out there and visit your local shelter to talk about your best adoption options. While adopting a dog or pet is a big commitment, it can be equally as fulfilling. While this is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, you can equally do your part by adopting any type of shelter animal.
If you aren’t ready to fully adopt a pet, ask your local shelter about fostering programs. Fostering pets can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Many pets that need foster homes may be too young to be adopted, need extra care and attention or don’t have a place because the shelter is too full. This helps socialize the dog or pet, all while giving them love. Plus, you’ll get some great cuddle time and experience.
2. Volunteer at a Shelter
If you don’t have the capacity to adopt or care for a pet this month, there are still plenty of options to partake in Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Find your nearest shelter and ask about volunteer options. There are all types of volunteer positions at every stage of the adoption process, so ask for information and find your best fit.
If you’re looking to get more people involved, organize a group volunteer day with your friends or coworkers. Call your local shelter to find out if they have group opportunities available and the types of tasks the shelter needs completed. Think about it—what could be better than a day with your human friends helping your furry friends?
3. Donate
Shelters have the responsibility of providing a safe home for as many animals as possible before they find their forever homes. To help offset some of the costs associated with homing a pet, consider donating. If you would rather donate items instead of cash, find out if your local shelter has a wishlist. From food to bowls to leashes, think about providing some of the things your shelter needs most.
4. Spread the News
Even if you can’t adopt, you can still do your part by spreading the news. Now that you know about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, make sure your friends and family know about it too. Consider posting on your social media accounts, calling up a friend or taking somebody with you to volunteer. Even if you aren’t quite ready to adopt a pet this month, you may know somebody who is ready and willing to take home their new best friend.
5. Spay or Neuter Your Pet
If you already have a dog or other furry friend, don’t forget about the importance of spaying or neutering your pet. Spaying or neutering is important to help prevent more animals from ending up in shelters and needing homes. Studies have shown that spaying or neutering can help lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet by preventing health issues. Spaying and neutering has even been linked to fewer behavioral problems with pets.
Whether it be adopting an animal or helping in various other ways, we hope you’ll take part in Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. After all, there are so many pets out there needing love, attention and a forever home. You have the power to get out there and make an impact.
