Hello Readers,

Many pet lovers want to do something to help animals in need, but just don't know where to start. Humane societies, SPCAs, and animal rescue organizations are always in need of help, year-round. Here are some ways to help:

Become a Foster Parent.

Some animals need a little extra time and care before they can be put up for adoption. Foster parents take these pets into their homes and care for them in a home environment, integrating them into the family and providing them with lots of love, socialization, and medical care, as needed.

Reasons that pets may need fostering can include:

• Time and medical care to recover from illness or injury;
• Animals that are unaccustomed to people and need socializing;
• Pregnant or nursing moms that would simply do better in a quiet home environment;
• Animals that find a shelter environment too stressful, and need time to learn to relax and be happy again;
• Shelters may be overfull, and need foster parents to help with housing pets.

Sometimes people are afraid to foster an animal, for fear that they'll be unable to let them go when the time comes. And of course, some foster animals end up becoming permanent family members! For all the animals, fostering gives them an opportunity to become more adoptable and have a better chance of finding a loving forever-home.

There is always a need for foster parents. Shelters and rescues each have their own procedures for screening new foster homes as well as showing them what to do. Contact your local organization for information on what you need to do to become a foster parent.

Volunteer to work on-site.

There are always jobs to be done on-site. Jobs can range from animal care tasks, such as cleaning cages, feeding and watering, etc... to office staff, fundraising, adoptions, animal admissions, lost & found, and so much more. There is usually a higher need for some jobs over others - ask your local shelter where you might be able to help out. Time commitment could be as little as a few hours per week, but you'll be contributing to the health and welfare of the animals.

Volunteer to do odd jobs or casual work.

Are you handy around the house or the yard? Ask if you can lend a hand doing odd repair jobs around the shelter, pulling weeds and keeping the flower beds looking trim and tidy, or picking up donations from around the city. Shelters are often understaffed and because animal care comes first, sometimes the other things around the shelter have to take a backseat. If you don't find a job listed that interests you, ask them what you else you can do, or suggest another way you can help.

Make a donation of food or goods.

Many shelter or rescue websites will list the items that they desparately need (if there's no list, call and find out). Often times, it's not just food that's needed, but also things like towels, pet toys, cleaning supplies, and office supplies too.

It's important to note that it's not always appropriate to donate used goods. For example, towels with holes in them can pose a strangling risk if an animal gets his head caught in the hole. Old, clean used goods are usually welcome, but they do need to be in good shape. Items that cannot be used have to be disposed of at the organization's cost.

When it comes to food, some organizations prefer to feed a consistent diet so call ahead before buying food.

Raise money or goods to donate to a shelter.

Are you good at arts & crafts? Create a few items for sale, and donate the proceeds to the shelter. Hold a garage sale and donate a portion of the proceeds. Or ask around to see if other pet owners have food or goods that they would like to donate. Gather everything up and drop it off at the shelter.

Make a monetary donation.

Shelters and pet rescues can always use monetary donations to buy the things they need to operate the shelter. People tend to give the most around Christmas or during special events, but organizations need funds all year round. Many organizations now offer an automatic way to make monthly donations, in addition to the more typical lump-sum donation.

However you choose to help, the animals thank you.

"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." (Martin Buber)

See you in a couple of weeks for our photos issue - please send us your pet photos!

- Angela, Newsletter Editor
On behalf of Rundle, the Pet Friendly CEO (Chief Eating Officer)