Ways to Help a Dog

Even if you’re not in a position to adopt a dog, there are many different ways you can help a dog in need. All efforts count — the important thing is to get involved! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Add to this list! Get creative--what are other ways you can help?

Donate items to your local dog rescue or shelter

• Blankets to use as dog beds
• New/used leashes, collars, dog toys, crates, training equipment, baby gates, x-pens
• Dog food and treats
• Cleaning supplies

Donate money to your local dog rescue or shelter

• $50 can help spay or neuter a dog
• Planned giving—leave money to your favorite pet charity in your will.
• Fundraise for a specific shelter by setting up an online fundraising page! (www.firstgiving.com)
  

Offer Your Professional Services

• If you’re a trainer, donate time to help with obedience training.
• If you’re a vet, give a discount for your services for rescued animals.
• If you’re a groomer, donate your services to dogs awaiting adoption.
• If you’re an event planner, help dog rescue organizations with event coordination and outreach.
• If you raise livestock, provide access to your flock to train herding dogs!

Volunteer your time

• Foster a dog — find out what it takes
• Volunteer to transport dogs — to events, to prospective homes, etc.
• Post flyers for dogs awaiting adoption
• Forward emails to your network of family, friends and colleagues
• Volunteer at or attend adoption days and events
• Help bathe dogs for adoption days
• Spread the word about dog rescue and pet overpopulation
• Walk a dog at the shelter
• Call an animal shelter or rescue — ask at your local shelter how you can help

Take action

• Suspect a dog is being neglected or abused? Report it!

• Animal Legal and Historical Center
  Animal Cruelty
  Animal Fighting/Dogfighting
• Dog Laws for All Fifty States

Sponsor a Dog

• Contact a shelter to learn about dogs in need
• Choose a dog to help and learn that dog's story
• Set up a personal fundraising page for that dog using firstgiving.com
• Send that page to all your friends and ask them to keep forwarding
• With a little help from your friends you can help pay for an expensive surgery that might not have taken place without your efforts
• Repeat the process!
• Need some Inspiration? Check out Indie's page http://www.firstgiving.com/Indie

Add to this list! Get creative--what are other ways you can help?


Already saving the world? Are you the proud parent of 25 cats and dogs but still want to do more? Would you like to send a special gift to a specific shelter pup or kitty?
. For more info or to order now click here!