Support Your Local Animal Shelter

This week is National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week - a good time to support local shelters and rescue organizations.  Plus maybe a little extra for those in the northeast that were impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Mom did some research and she found that there are approximately 3500 animal shelters in the U.S.  Together with local rescue groups, they provide safety and care for approximately 8 million homeless animals each year.  That means each shelter serves approximately 2200 homeless animals per year!

Many cats, dogs and other animals end up in shelters when their families can't afford to properly care for them, when families relocate and can't take their pets or when someone in the family is allergic, leaving animals of all breeds and ages without homes. If only given another chance, these animals could make grateful and loving pets.

Animal shelters and rescue groups not only provide care for animals that need homes, but many also assist in emergencies like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.  They need your support to be able to provide these programs. 

There are lots of ways you can support your local animal shelter! 
1. Adopt!  Give a pet a forever home and encourage your friends, relatives and neighbors to save lives by adopting pets.

2. Volunteer!  Most shelters and rescue groups have volunteer programs.  They can always use an extra hand. 
3. Give!  Donate funds or supplies. Shelters and rescue groups always need food, towels, blankets, rugs, toys and other supplies for animals.

4. Spread the word!  Tell your family, friends, and neighbors how they can help support their local animal shelter.

For more information about National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week, visit www.humanesociety.org/sheltersrock.