Due to the coronavirus pandemic, shelters and rescues across Los Angeles and the country are making the difficult decision to close their doors to the public. As a result, many animals are being displaced. At the same time, organizations are seeing an increase in pet abandonment amid COVID-19 fears while struggling to raise funds.
We challenge you to make difference in a pets life. Here are all the ways you can help make a lifesaving difference right now.
Foster
Have more free time but can’t say ‘yes’ to the lifetime commitment of a pet, you should consider fostering. With many shelters and rescues reaching full capacity, fostering is the perfect solution to make room for the larger numbers of stray or surrendered animals that will be brought in these upcoming weeks. Not to mention, you can say good-bye to being bored and lonely while in quarantine. Get started by finding your local shelter and rescue groups on Pet Finder.
Read: 16 Reasons Why Fostering A Shelter Pet Is Basically The Best Thing In The World
Adopt
If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, now is the perfect time. Since most of us are stuck at home, you have more than enough time to train and bond with your new family member. Don’t wait for your schedule to get busy, adopt now and have the luxury of spending quality time with your new pet.
Although most shelters and rescues are closed to the public, you can still contact them directly to schedule a private meet and greet appointment. If you would like to adopt a new dog or cat, but don’t know where to start looking, you can find available pets in your area at adoptapet.com.
Already adopted a new pup? Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your new dog or puppy.
Donate
Rescues and shelters rely on donations and many of them have had to postpone their annual and ongoing charity events.
Whether it’s $5 or $50, any type of contribution goes a long way in helping with the daily upkeep required for caring for pets. Besides financial support, you can also donate goods such as food, toys, blankets or treats. Not sure where to donate, drop off your items at Operation Blankets of Love, a non profit organization servicing Los Angeles.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (ASPCA) has set up an Emergency and Relief and Recovery Fund that goes directly to animal welfare organizations across the country impacted by COVID-19. Click here to donate to the fund.
Spread Awareness
One of the easiest ways to make a difference is by spreading awareness. By using Facebook or Nextdoor, you can do a world of good by helping lost animals find their way home by either sharing posts or notifying owners if you see their pet. By connecting lost pets with their owners, you ease the burden on animal control officers and other animal welfare professionals.
We also recommend following local rescues and re-sharing posts about adoptable pets in your community. Every share and like improves the chances that a pet will be adopted. Even by sharing this blog post, you may encourage someone to act.
Want more ways to help? Go to bestfriend.org for more suggestions on how to help pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cover photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash