Wonderful Ways to Give Back to Animals This Thanksgiving

The spirit of the Thanksgiving season is all about expressing gratitude for all that you are thankful for and giving back to those who are less fortunate. So, as you begin to reflect on what you are thankful for this year, take a moment to consider ways in which you can pay your good fortune forward. There are many ways to give back, from volunteering and making donations, to simply doing good deeds and spreading kindness.

However you choose to help, you can feel good knowing that you are making a positive impact on your community. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll be making your own life a more positive one as well. 

Adopt or Foster a Pet in Need

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats enter shelters every year. That’s a staggering number of animals that are in need of finding homes. By adopting or fostering a shelter pet you can help alleviate overcrowding in that shelter and provide a temporary or permanent home to an animal in need. If you are unsure if now is the right time to adopt, fostering can help you decide if you are ready or not. Also, fostering an animal allows the shelter to learn more about a dog’s personality, and helps them get adopted faster. If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a pet, reach out to your local shelter to learn more about their process.

Donate to Local Shelters, Rescues and Food Banks

To make a direct impact on animals in your own backyard, find a local shelter, rescue, or food bank in your community and donate or volunteer your time. Many shelters and rescues feature a list of needed supplies and volunteer opportunities on their websites. Before you drop off any donated items, it’s a good idea to call ahead to see what is needed most. 

Typically, items on this list are almost always needed: 

Donate to Charities and Non-Profits

Charitable donations make great gifts for all the animal lovers on your list. You can easily make tribute gifts in honor, in memory, and in celebration of people who are important to you. Many charities and non-profits will even match donations made during the month of November in observance of Giving Tuesday. Donating locally is always the best option, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t donate to organizations that operate nationally. It’s always a good idea to do your research beforehand, but here are some non-profits we regularly partner with that are doing good work for canine causes:

Pups Without Borders is a 501(c)(3) dog rescue that rescues pups of all ages, with an emphasis in rescuing pregnant moms, nursing litters, and sick or injured puppies from dangerous situations. Pups Without Borders exists solely on donations from the general public as well as occasional grants or foundation contributions.

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates a full-access shelter that takes in sick and injured animals and those that may not be probable candidates for adoption. At the core of the Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. is their dedication to caring for animals and giving them compassion and a second chance.

Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit charitable organization committed to giving homeless cats and dogs another chance for a healthy and happy life by finding them good, loving homes. MSRPAC is supported solely by private donations and fundraising projects. 

Fix’n Fidos is a is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization run completely on charitable contributions. Their mission is to help reduce the number of dogs and cats relinquished by their owners to City & County Animal Shelters. They focus their attention on animal ownership retention by providing those who are financially struggling with free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccines, and emergency medical care.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at ZippyPaws! We are grateful for your support!