What can I do right now to rescue companion animals?

Sometimes the unending, overwhelming nature of animal rescue has a paralyzing effect. There can be the sense of "It's too much. It's too heart-breaking. There's nothing I can do to make a difference." See  Q:  How Do I Save 3-4 Million? (A:  One at a Time.)

The most deeply effective transformations of a situation or even a culture occur over time with small, cumulative efforts. Here are some things you can do right now, but don't try to do everything. Pace yourself and start by picking one thing that appeals to you, and go from there.

Low or no cost:
1) Call your local rescue shelter and learn about their volunteer programs. Usually there are many opportunities requiring diverse talents and personalities. Choose and follow through on one that fits your schedule and that you can enjoy doing.

2) Advocate for no-kill legislation and policies among shelters. This is something you can do from your phone or computer. Not sure where to start? Contact the No Kill Advocacy Center at (510) 530-5124 or send them a message from their website. Sign up to get news from them.

3) Network animals in need on Facebook. Examples for FB animal information sites (telling about animals in need of rescue) in Texas include Joe's Animal House and Pawsitively Texas. You can find at least one (often many) for every state and province, as well as countries on other continents.


4) Be informed. The No Kill Advocacy Center website is has great information. The book by Sheila Webster Boneham, Rescue Matters: How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals: A Guide for Volunteers and Organizers is an excellent resource. (I was able to find a copy at my local library, as well as on Amazon.com.) These are only two of many.

If you're willing to spend some money:
5) Money facilitates rescue. Donate. Be sure it is to an organization that truly supports your goals. Some are not what they initially appear to be.

6) If you want to donate but don't have available funds, do your own fund-raising. a) Get other people to donate by holding a party as a fund-raiser. Might as well have fun with your friends while you're rescuing. b) Sell your used books, CDs, and DVDs online. (I use Amazon as an easy place to do so, but there are many other outlets such as eBay, half.com, Abebooks, etc.) c) Have a garage sale. d) Be creative and have fun with other ideas! Then donate the proceeds from these fund-raising activities to your favorite rescue operation or to sponsor a particular animal in need.

These are just a few ideas with which you can help animal rescue in little and big ways. Do it now.