There is nothing better than making a difference in the life of another. At iHeartDogs, we just ask that you take a moment to think about how you can change the life of homeless dogs. Not sure what you can do? Just look at this list, you would be amazed at all the options there are!
#1 – Adopt, don’t shop
Of course, one of the best ways you can change the life of a homeless dog is by adopting instead of buying a puppy from a pet store. Pet store puppies most often come from puppy mills where dogs are ill-treated for monetary gain.
#2 – Manage an on-going food drive
It’s easy to help homeless dogs simply by collecting food for your local shelters or rescues. Put a box at your work, or ask a local community store (pet related or not) if you can set up a box and be in charge of taking the donations to the charity once a month. It’s a simple thing to that means a lot and only take a little bit of your time each month.
#3 – Volunteer at a shelter or rescue
Volunteers are always needed at shelters or rescues to help with cleaning, walking and general care of the dogs. You can volunteer as much or as little as you want – every hour makes a difference.
#4 – Read to the dogs
Another way you can volunteering is offering to read to the dogs – they love it! It’s a great way to help socialize nervous shelter dogs. What you read doesn’t matter, just the fact that you are there and talking in a calm, steady voice can make a big difference in the life of a rescue dog.
#5 – Feed the homeless dogs
In many cities, there are large stray dog populations that have been created by irresponsible owners. In a lot of these communities, the rescues and shelter are full, so groups of volunteers help take care of the dogs that are left on the street until there is room to take them in. Some dedicated volunteers are doing it even in cities where it’s illegal. (note, we are not saying you should break the law).
#6 – Shop!
A lot of shopping places online give back to homeless pets. For example, our iHeartDogs.com shop feeds homeless dogs with each purchase. On Amazon, you can sign up for the free AmazonSmile program. Then, every time you buy something on Amazon, a portion of the purchase price is donated to the charity of your choice (they have a list of over one million).
#7 – Spark Change
Many cities are implementing legislation to ban the sale of dogs (and cats) in pet stores. This goes a long way to not only stop puppy mills, but to help dogs in shelters get adopted. You can volunteer to spearhead a campaign or help an existing one reach their goal.
#8 – Foster
Fostering a homeless dog can make a big difference. For some dogs, it’s the environment they need to come out of their shell and make them more adoptable. It also frees up precious space in rescues and shelters for more dogs.
#9 – Share on Social Media
On social media 24/7? All it takes is a quick click of a button and you have helped a homeless dog by sharing their stories and adoption information to all your followers. It’s super easy and the more people who see that dog the more likely he will find a home.
Foster or adopter Needed. We are still desperately looking for a foster or forever home for Stella. Stella is about 6…
Posted by Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs on Thursday, January 14, 2016
#10 – Take Pictures of Adoptable Dogs
If you are good at photography, you can volunteer to take fun pictures and/or video of adoptable pets near you. It’s been proven that good pictures help dogs get adopted quicker – after all, they are worth a 1,000 words!
#11 – Donate Used Items
Doing some “spring cleaning”? Donate used clothes, blankets, the dog toy your dog never showed any interest in, etc., to your local rescue or shelter. Doesn’t cost you a thing and you will be enriching the lives of homeless dogs.
#12 – Collection Jar
Another way to help homeless pets that takes little effort on your part is setting up a collection jar at your work. All you have to do is take the money to the rescue or shelter once the jar is full. It’s amazing how all that spare change from coffee runs adds up!
