Give the Gift of Hope to Pets in Need

By Brian Weltge, The Humane Society of Greater Dayton

As you and your family gather around the table, come together for holiday festivities and help others this holiday season, please remember the pets in need in our community as well.

Each day, BBB Accredited animal shelters like The Humane Society of Greater Dayton have a slew of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals walk through their doors looking for a second chance at a great life. They try to help as many animals as possible and impact each life in a positive way.

These organizations can’t do the work they do for animals in need without your help. If you would like to help impact the lives of pets in need and give the gift of hope this holiday season, consider helping BBB Accredited animal shelters like the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Here are just a few ways you can help animals right in your community: 

Donate to Your Area Shelter

Animal shelters are always in need of supplies and donations to help the animals they care for. Many receive no government funding and are not affiliated with any other organization on a local or national level. Programs and services are run solely on the donations received from individuals, companies and grants. This is why your support is so critical.

If you want to help a pet in need, consider making a donation. If you don’t want to give money, consider holding a food drive for pets in need. Or, as Cyber Monday approaches, check out ways to donate supplies online.

Give Your Time

If making a contribution is out of your budget, consider donating your time. From socializing pets or cleaning cages to helping with office work or planning events, there is something to do for any passionate animal lover.

Another option to consider is becoming a foster parent for pets in need. These caring individuals take in animals that are too young, too sick or in need of specialized medical care and place them in their homes so they are able to become strong and healthy again. Once ready, these animals can then move into adoption programs. They are socialized, familiar with a home environment and are much easier to adopt thanks to the round-the-clock care of our devoted foster families.

Adopt a Pet in Need

There is no better way to show a pet in need you care then by giving them a second chance and a loving, forever home to call their own. Adopting a pet from a shelter is a rewarding experience for families. From your child’s first puppy to a senior cat to curl up on your lap and just be with you, shelters have something for everyone.

Be an Advocate for Pets

With a limited staff, shelters can only be in so many places at any given time. This is why it is so important for each person in our community to act as the eyes and ears for pets in need. Sadly, animal abuse happens far too frequently. If you witness an animal that is being abused or neglected, report it. It takes courage to stand up and report animal abuse, but with your bravery, you can help save the life of an animal who needs help. If you have witnessed an animal that is being neglected or abused, please report it by visiting www.hsdayton.org or calling 855-PETS-911. All information you provide remains anonymous, but please give as much information as you can so our humane agents can help the animal in need.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. Together, this holiday season, we can impact the lives of pets in need and give each of them the gift of hope this year.