Support Dog Rescue Organizations on Any Budget
Volunteering Time, Providing Foster Homes, and Donating Supplies
Nov 4, 2009
When people mention contributing to dog rescue organizations, they generally refer to financial donations or adopting a dog; however, those are not the only ways people can make a positive impact. People can contribute to dog rescue organizations by fostering dogs in their homes, volunteering their time, and donating supplies.
Dog rescue organizations are non-profit, operated by volunteers, and are usually breed specific. These rescue organizations perform a variety of functions, such as rescuing homeless or abandoned dogs, providing veterinary services, if needed, finding homes for dogs, and teaching responsible dog ownership to the public.
Foster Homes
Dogs that have been rescued need care before they are able to be adopted. Rescued dogs are evaluated for any potential physical, behavioral or social problems. Rescue volunteers make sure the dogs are treated for injuries or disease before the dog can be adopted. Foster home care may be needed while a dog is awaiting adoption. Foster volunteers care for dogs just like their own, until a suitable adoption can be found.
Foster homes provide dogs with stable environments and individualized care, which usually leads to better socialization. Due to a volunteer’s ability to work with a dog in his/her care, the volunteer can often find likes and dislikes of the dog. This will make the matching process with potential new families easier. For example, if a dog does not like cats, it would be necessary to screen out a new home that has a cat in the household.
Volunteer Time
Another way to support a rescue organization is through volunteering time for various activities with a dog. All dogs require grooming, such as hair brushing, nail clipping, bathing, which volunteers can do or assist others with the task. Walking and exercise are important to keep dogs healthy, so these are activities that can be shared with several volunteers. Transporting a dog from a rescue shelter to a veterinary clinic for needed care is another example of volunteering that can support a rescue organization.
Volunteering time to teach children about responsible pet ownership is another valuable way to support rescue organizations. Talking to children about the importance of food, clean water, and shelter for their dog can help children understand the basics of pet care. Other topics, such as grooming, and exercise can be discussed with children so they will know how to care for their dogs.
Donating Needed Supplies
Food, grooming supplies, and old blankets are items that dog rescue organizations can use. If a rescue organization receives food and treat donations, the money they would have spent on those items can be used for other valuable needs. Along with food, organizations can use food and water dishes.
Old comforters and blankets are valuable items for dog beds, especially older dogs. Crates can be lined with these, also. Dog rescue organizations can use crates that are in good condition.
Without volunteers, dog rescue organizations could not help the many homeless or abandoned dogs that are in need of care or adoption. For more information check out the AKC breed rescue page for local rescue organizations.
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