How to Help Homeless Animals
Each year the Roanoke Valley Regional Center for Animal Control takes in 6,000 to 7,000 stray animals and 6.5 million companion animals enter the United States shelter system every year (ASPCA). Rescue groups on Facebook share pictures every day of animals desperate for help. As animal lovers we all want to help, but how? This article will provide different ways you can help make a difference for the animals in your community.
Spay and Neuter
One of the easiest ways to reduce the population of homeless pets is to make sure you don’t contribute. Beyond the medical benefits of spaying and neutering your pet the surgery can also reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors. Many pet owners report more relaxed pets, especially male dogs and cats, after neuter surgery. Some vets recommend waiting to fix large breed dogs as their growth plates are still developing, but a neuter surgery at 1 year of age is no more dangerous than at 4 months of age. If you are tempted to breed for money, or just because puppies are cute, make sure to swing by your local shelter and see all the pets left there. They also started out as cute puppies!
Money
Running a non-profit takes money. After taking care of the basic needs such as food and shelter, rescues also have to contend with unexpected needs such as heart-worm treatment, spay and neuter surgeries, or even major medical emergencies. Some rescues also provide community outreach which requires monetary resources. These beneficial programs are the first to be cut in a budget shortfall but can provide much needed help in their communities. Just because you cannot contribute thousands of dollars doesn’t mean your $5 donations doesn’t help. Imagine if every person in the Roanoke Valley contributed $5.