For one week out of the entire year, animal lovers come together to celebrate their local shelters. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week was created by the Humane Society of the United States and falls on the first full week of November each year. It honors thousands of people and the shelters that operate to aid animals in need.
Animal shelters are extremely necessary in every community. These places are asylums for animals and a great place to go adopt a loving pet. Shelters also investigate neglect and abuse of animals in homes, reunite lost pets with families, educate families on animal care, and more.Â
There are currently around 3,500 shelters across the United States, available to serve around 6-8 million refugee animals annually. Each shelter needs help to continue operating, and there are plenty of ways to get yourself involved!
Adopt your next pet from a shelter!
Each year, fewer than 20 percent of animals who reside in shelters, looking for care and affection, are adopted. Purchasing from pet stores and breeders encourages more forced breeding, which is an extremely harmful process. Adopting from shelters gives homes to animals in need and supports an amazing cause.Â
Volunteer!
Helping animals in shelters can be a very meaningful experience. Reach out to one near you and ask about opportunities to come in.
Donate!
Shelters rely on supplies from donors to keep their animals alive and well, and their organization running. They are often in need of basic items such as towels, blankets, toys, and food. Check with your local shelter to find out what is needed, then request donations from family, friends and coworkers. As a child, I was able to request that those who attended my birthday parties make a donation to the Humane Society instead of giving me a gift-encourage children to get involved!
Source: https://www-tc.pbs.org/parents/martha/pdf/MarthaHA_NationalAnimalAppreciationWeek.pdf