How to become an animal ambassador

How can you help the local animal shelter? Be a “shelter ambassador.”

There is a lot each of us can do to help homeless animals, as well as the organizations and people that take care of them.

Donating money and volunteering time are the most obvious ways one can help. But even if you have no time and no money, become a shelter ambassador in at least some of the following ways, and you will be doing a world of good to help your local shelter.

Get your next pet from a shelter

Here’s an alarming fact: People get their dogs from shelters only 15 percent of the time, and their cats from shelters only 10 percent of the time. At the same time, more than five million pets are euthanized each year in shelters across the United States.

Sadly, most people just don’t think to go to a shelter for a pet. Shelters offer pets in all sizes, shapes, ages and personalities. If what you’re looking for is a companion animal, as most of us are, rather than a specific breed, an animal shelter truly does offer the most diverse selection to choose from. Even if you’re set on a specific breed, consider adopting from your closest breed rescue group.

Spay and neuter your pets

Don’t be part of the equation that adds to the number of surplus animals at the shelter. Be sure to spay or neuter your pet. It is the healthiest option for your pet and the right thing to do for you.

Make sure to tag and ID your pet

When a pet gets lost, shelter staff spend valuable time and money attempting to reunite that pet with her owners. Properly tag and ID or microchip your pet. Be a responsible pet owner and abide by your municipality’s leash laws, if any. Don’t let your pets wander, especially dogs; they are more likely to get injured or lost.

Check out the shelter’s “wishlist” of supplies

Team up with a group of like-minded friends, colleagues or neighbors, and do a “donation box” where you routinely collect supplies for your local shelter. You’d be surprised at how much spare stuff you find, while cleaning out just a closet or two, that can be donated.

Many shelters have a “wishlist” of their supply needs on their Web sites, or you can call and ask them. These usually include pet food, toys, blankets, towels, bleach and cleaning supplies.

Donate proceeds from an event or party

Do you have a birthday, event, or even a wedding or anniversary coming up? Would you like to do something more meaningful than receive gifts? Ask your guests to make a donation to your local shelter in lieu of gifts.

If you have no special events coming up, throw a party anyway! Organize the party and ask your guests to make a donation to the animal shelter. What a fun and meaningful way to spend time with people whose company you enjoy!

Help your children undertake pet projects

When there’s an opportunity for your child to do a project for school, boy/girl scouts, or even just for fun, get them involved with a project that helps the local shelter, whether it’s building a dog house, baking cookies to benefit the shelter or doing a “show and tell” on responsible pet care.

Speak out!

Next time you hear a friend or family member say they’re considering getting a pet, encourage them to adopt from a shelter or animal rescue, and be sure to remind them to spay and neuter their pet.

- Rasanayagam is a volunteer board member of the Lynchburg Humane Society.