Easy Ways to Support Animal Shelters in Your Community
There are thousands of animal shelters in England, all struggling to cope with the influx of homeless pets. But you can help, not just from financial donations. But also through:
- Give as you shop with easyfundraising
- Volunteer dog walking
- Helping with techy skills
- Helping with cleaning/building skills
- Donating items on their ‘wish lists’
Help rebuild a Sussex animal shelter
Nestled away near the West Sussex town of Horsham is Holbrook Animal Rescue, one of England’s only kennel-free animal rescue centres. For over 30 years, dedicated volunteers have rescued and found homes for many creatures, from dogs to horses.
After a long campaign to find new premises, it won a planning application. Now it needs experts to help (architects, solar energy, green building, rainwater harvesting). Other ways to help:
- Set up the shelter as your cause at easyfundraising (anytime you spend with participating shops, it receives a portion of the sale).
- Set up an Charities Aid Foundation, if you prefer to give anonymously. Add Gift Aid if you’re a UK taxpayer.
- If you play lotteries, switch to their Giving lottery, which costs less with moer chance of winning (and animals always win).
Helping animal shelters abroad
Also read how to help dog shelters in Eastern Europe, where volunteers do incredible work, helped by small pooled donations.
And ‘free clicks’ at Animal Web Action, where sponsors pay for bulk delivery of food, hay and blankets. Again these shelters could easily be helped, by combined free and low-cost action.
Inspiration from Abroad: Sanctuary Angels Club
Sometimes small animal charities find it difficult to raise funds. So often it’s a good idea to think outside the box, rather than just appealing for donations.
Sanctuary Angels Club (USA) is a great idea that could be emulated elsewhere, or something akin to it. Based at a yoga retreat, people can join the club and get membership benefits. Each membership fee again helps to pay to care for their animal residents. Some benefits include:
- Yoga classes
- Member tours
- Event discounts
- Custom pet portraits by an artist
- Holistic animal care course discounts
People can choose a level to suit their heart and budget. Whichever one chosen, the support helps to pay for hay, food and medical needs, to rescued animals can heal and thrive.
What a great idea. Imaginative, creative and heaps of help for animals!
It even hires out the area for weddings, so people can celebrate their big day, while also using profits to help animals. The bride and friends get a pool and spa, and the groom’s lounge includes a games room with a bar, darts and vintage pinball machines!
