Five Ways to Help Homeless Pets

It may surprise you to learn that there are lots of ways you can support rescues and shelters in their mission to find homes for dogs, cats and other animals in need even if you don’t have much money to spare, yourself. Here are just a handful of examples.

Participate in Fundraisers

The MSPCA’s annual Walk for Animals is just around the bend! Now’s the time to join a team or create one of your own in preparation for this one-mile group-stroll around Boston Common, to take place on September 9th. Pay just $25 to register as a walker (or as a virtual walker if you won’t be able to attend in person). Then, recruit friends and family to sponsor you with a pledge for a donation, or walk alongside you.

If you enjoy a faster pace, check out the MSPCA’s Run Fur Fun coming up on November 10th, too.

Donate Items Shelters Need

I’m sure most of us pet parents have at least a few old toys, collars, leashes and such that we no longer need. Why let them go to waste when local shelters can put them to good use? For that matter, why stop there? Check out your favorite shelter’s wish list and see if you happen to have any of the stuff they need just lying around, taking up space. Here’s an opportunity to clean out your closets while doing something good for homeless pets at the same time.

Buddy Dog Humane Society at 151 Boston Post Road in Sudbury, The Animal Rescue League at 10 Chandler Street in Boston and The MSPCA at 350 South Huntington Street in Boston all have wish lists posted on their websites.

Leverage Your Purchase-power

On my most recent visit to Active Paws on Trapelo Road in Belmont, I stumbled upon an intriguing opportunity to help feed pets in need. As I debated which dog treats to purchase, I noticed a small, red “Plus One” symbol on the upper, right-hand corner of a bag of Zero G treats by Darford. Plainly written on the back of the package was the slogan, “Buy for one, care for two,” along with an internal tracking number and the company’s website address.

“…buy any Darford packaged food or treats and we will donate a meal to a dog in need on your behalf,” the company promises. “We supply the food. You donate it. Together, we make a difference.” Pretty clever marketing, huh? It certainly made my shopping choice an easier one that day. That my dogs also love these grain-free trout and shrimp biscuits means I’ll be back for more in two shakes of a paw.

Volunteer at a Shelter

If you are cash-poor, but rich in compassion, you might consider applying to become a volunteer at a local animal shelter. Fortunately, there are a great many people who like to contribute in this way, so being accepted as a shelter volunteer can take some time. The websites for The Animal Rescue League of Boston and Buddy Dog Humane Society declare that their volunteer programs are currently full. The MSPCA website says that their organization accepts applications throughout the year, but that not all applicants will be appointed to positions. The site also says that the MSPCA fills about 50-100 volunteer positions each month, but receives over 250 volunteer applications each month.

Foster a Homeless Pet

It takes a special kind of person to be a successful foster. Personally, I turned out to be a foster failure, falling in love with my , after three short days—thereby eliminating a potential opening for future foster dogs in my home. Check out the “Fostering FAQ’s” page of the Northeast Coonhound Rescue website to see if you’ve got what it takes to offer a successful foster home.

Have a soft spot for particular breeds? A quick online search for breed-specific rescues is bound to yield any number of organizations catering especially with your favorites who could use your help. Sometimes animal shelters, including the MSPCA, also have foster family opportunities to fill.

Certainly, cold, hard cash is always useful to rescues and shelters in caring for the homeless pets they serve, but don’t let a lack of the green stuff stop you from making a difference in any way you can. These are just a few of the ways in which you can help out without having to shell out very much in the way of actual money, if anything at all.