There are lots of recognized special days throughout the year, some important and some just silly fun. Change a Pet’s Life Day (January 23, 2021) is one that really hits home with us.
This special day promotes pet adoption and appreciation of the important work animal rescue organizations do through their employees, volunteers, and donors.
Many pets have a rough ride before they find a loving home, and many never make it out of the shelter alive.
The ASPCA estimates 6.5 million pets enter shelters in the United States every year, but less than half of them are adopted.
Sadly, 1.5 million pets are euthanized.
You can make a huge difference in the life of a pet by choosing to adopt. With so many unwanted and abandoned pets in shelters, it feels more urgent every year.
Here are six things you can do that can genuinely make a difference in a pet’s life:
1. Adopt a pet from shelter or rescue organization if you can.
If you’re in the position to adopt a pet, it can be a very rewarding step (for a waiting pet, and for you as well) to welcome one into your home.
Pet owners live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Sponsor a shelter pet.
If you can’t adopt a pet, many rescue organizations welcome pet sponsorship, a means of financially supporting a pet until it is adopted.
3. Donate time and/or resources to a shelter or rescue organization.
Rescue organizations depend upon volunteers and donations. Donations of pet food, blankets, towels, leashes, collars, carriers, and most importantly, money are welcomed by most rescue organizations.
Time is also needed – fostering pets, walking dogs, socializing kittens, cleaning kennels, answering phones, and assisting with events.
4. Spay or neuter your pet.
Please don’t add to the problem by allowing your pet to increase pet overpopulation through unplanned litters.
5. Take the time to train and socialize your pet.
Sadly, more than 40% of pets surrendered to shelters are done so for behavior problems.
6. Microchip and ID your pet.
Many pets entering shelters are lost. Microchips and collar tags are an extremely important part of helping return those pets home. Unidentified pets have a much slimmer chance of being found by their families.
Thanks for supporting Change a Pet’s Life Day! Together, we make a difference.
