Help Save Animals Your Own Way
Due to the uncertainty about our economy, the pace of pet abandonment is on the rise. Chicago has seen a dramatic increase in the number of homeless animals. Unfortunately tens of thousands of companion animals have been surrendered to rescue organizations, or worse, simply abandoned, left to fend for themselves.
You’ve probably read some of the heartrending stories: animals left behind, locked in foreclosed homes; a box of kittens dumped in a pet store parking lot; and families facing homelessness themselves, surrendering all of their pets to a shelter in a moment of heartbreak. The problem is so severe that some shelters have exhausted their resources and are forced to refuse new intakes.
As a society of pet lovers, this represents an unprecedented situation in most of our lifetimes. Now, more than ever, homeless pets need our help.
Many of us want to provide assistance, but don’t know the best way to make a difference. Fortunately, there are six ways to reach out and make a difference to pets in need. Click on a title to see more details
1) Volunteer at an event. Volunteers are needed to walk dogs around and greet potential adopters, as well as answer questions about our rescue’s mission. In some cases, you may be able to offer assistance based upon your unique skill set. If you have a knack for organization, your talents could help streamline anything from file systems to fundraising appeals. Even if you only volunteer for only a couple of hours per month, you will still be providing invaluable help.
2) Donate money. Unfortunately, growing shelter populations are not the only crisis animal rescues are experiencing. Organizations of all sizes are struggling with finances, as personal and corporate donations have dropped off a cliff. As you might expect, this lack of funding affects every aspect of our rescue’s operations, including staffing, veterinary care, food and medical supplies. Any amount you can spare will be welcomed. Don’t fall prey to the misconception that small donations don’t make a difference. Even $5 or $10 can provide several meals for a pet in need.
3) Donate supplies. If you prefer to donate physical items rather than cash, please consider donating items like treats, blankets or toys. In most cases, these items are sorely needed and gratefully accepted. Be sure to check out our website to learn our specific needs prior to deciding what you’ll give. If you can’t afford to give new items, consider doing some "spring cleaning", because old towels dry just as well as new ones! Just like with financial donations, the gift of supplies is tax deductible.
4) Foster a homeless pet, Fostering a pet is a great option if you’re not ready to commit to a long-term relationship with a companion animal.
5) Become a Safe House. Safe housing is a short term way of helping a homeless animal. If you would like to become a foster home, please contact us or fill out the foster application.
6) Adopt a pet. Lastly, the boldest and most dramatic step you can take also offers the greatest rewards. Perhaps the best way to combat pet homelessness is by opening your home to an abandoned pup or kitty.
No matter how you choose to help during this crisis, you will have our eternal gratitude. Together, we truly can make our world a better place for animals!
You’ve probably read some of the heartrending stories: animals left behind, locked in foreclosed homes; a box of kittens dumped in a pet store parking lot; and families facing homelessness themselves, surrendering all of their pets to a shelter in a moment of heartbreak. The problem is so severe that some shelters have exhausted their resources and are forced to refuse new intakes.
As a society of pet lovers, this represents an unprecedented situation in most of our lifetimes. Now, more than ever, homeless pets need our help.
Many of us want to provide assistance, but don’t know the best way to make a difference. Fortunately, there are six ways to reach out and make a difference to pets in need. Click on a title to see more details
1) Volunteer at an event. Volunteers are needed to walk dogs around and greet potential adopters, as well as answer questions about our rescue’s mission. In some cases, you may be able to offer assistance based upon your unique skill set. If you have a knack for organization, your talents could help streamline anything from file systems to fundraising appeals. Even if you only volunteer for only a couple of hours per month, you will still be providing invaluable help.
2) Donate money. Unfortunately, growing shelter populations are not the only crisis animal rescues are experiencing. Organizations of all sizes are struggling with finances, as personal and corporate donations have dropped off a cliff. As you might expect, this lack of funding affects every aspect of our rescue’s operations, including staffing, veterinary care, food and medical supplies. Any amount you can spare will be welcomed. Don’t fall prey to the misconception that small donations don’t make a difference. Even $5 or $10 can provide several meals for a pet in need.
3) Donate supplies. If you prefer to donate physical items rather than cash, please consider donating items like treats, blankets or toys. In most cases, these items are sorely needed and gratefully accepted. Be sure to check out our website to learn our specific needs prior to deciding what you’ll give. If you can’t afford to give new items, consider doing some "spring cleaning", because old towels dry just as well as new ones! Just like with financial donations, the gift of supplies is tax deductible.
4) Foster a homeless pet, Fostering a pet is a great option if you’re not ready to commit to a long-term relationship with a companion animal.
5) Become a Safe House. Safe housing is a short term way of helping a homeless animal. If you would like to become a foster home, please contact us or fill out the foster application.
6) Adopt a pet. Lastly, the boldest and most dramatic step you can take also offers the greatest rewards. Perhaps the best way to combat pet homelessness is by opening your home to an abandoned pup or kitty.
No matter how you choose to help during this crisis, you will have our eternal gratitude. Together, we truly can make our world a better place for animals!
