Paws for a Cause: How to Give Back to Animal Shelters Over the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for giving, and at Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital, we believe that helping local animal shelters should be at the top of your list. From making sure cat and dog shelters have the supplies they need to spreading the word about adoptable pets, there are many ways to get involved this season. Here are a few meaningful ways to support shelters and help pets in need during the holidays.
Donate Essential Items to Local Pet Shelters
One of the easiest ways to make an immediate impact is donating much-needed supplies to local pet shelters. With so many animals to care for, shelters often run low on basics. Items that can help the most include:
- Food for cats and dogs: High-quality pet food is always in demand, ensuring that pets get the nutrients they need while waiting for their forever homes.
- Pet beds and blankets: The weather is cooler this time of year, and pets need warm, soft spaces to rest.
- Litter and cleaning supplies: Cat shelters always appreciate litter, and cleaning products help keep facilities sanitary for pets and staff.
- Toys and treats: These can help make a shelter pet’s stay a little more fun and comfortable, providing enrichment during the wait for adoption.
When you donate, you’re providing more than just physical items—you’re offering comfort and care to pets in need during the holidays.
Lend a Hand by Volunteering
Volunteering at a shelter is a fantastic way to give back if you have extra time over the holidays. Shelters rely on volunteers to handle many daily tasks involved in caring for animals. Here’s how you can help:
- Dog walking: Dogs need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, and shelters often can’t walk them as much as necessary.
- Cat companionship: Cats in shelters need interaction, too! Spending time playing or simply sitting with cats helps them feel less stressed and more at home.
- Helping with events: Shelters often host special holiday adoption or fundraising events, and volunteers are essential to making these events successful.
- Fostering pets: If you can’t commit to long-term adoption, consider fostering a pet during the holidays. This gives the shelter more space and provides a pet with a temporary, loving home.
Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a tangible difference for pets in need while bringing holiday cheer to your local shelter.
Support Pet Holidays Through Fundraising Efforts
Pet holidays like National Cat Lovers Month (December) and National Mutt Day (December 2nd) are great opportunities to spread awareness about shelters. Organizing a fundraising event around these holidays can make a big difference for dog and cat shelters. Consider these ideas:
- Host a holiday bake sale: Organize a bake sale with proceeds benefiting local shelters. You can even bake pet-safe treats to sell!
- Sponsor an animal in need: Some shelters allow you to “sponsor” a specific animal by covering the costs of their food, care, or medical treatments during their stay.
- Create a donation drive: Use social media or local events to collect much-needed supplies or funds for pet shelters. You can even work with local businesses to set up donation collection boxes.
Whether hosting an event or spreading the word through social media, your efforts can raise money and awareness for shelter pets during the holiday season.
Adopt a Shelter Pet or Foster During the Holidays
While many people focus on giving gifts to friends and family during the holidays, consider giving a gift to a shelter pet by adopting or fostering. Here’s why the holidays are an excellent time for adoption or fostering:
- More time at home: With extra time off, the holidays are a great opportunity to settle a new pet into your home.
- Making room for more pets: Every time a pet gets adopted or fostered, space opens up in the shelter for another animal in need.
- Bringing joy: There’s nothing like the joy of adopting a new pet during the holidays. It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime for both you and the pet.
If you can’t adopt, fostering is another wonderful way to help during the busy holiday season, allowing pets to experience the comfort of a home while they wait for their permanent family.
Get Involved This Holiday Season with Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital
The veterinarians and staff at Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital encourage you to make the most of this holiday season by giving back to local shelters. From volunteering your time to donating essential supplies, every little bit helps. If you have questions or need assistance with your pet’s care, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re here to support you and your pets year-round!