5 ways to help the animal community

Pets definitely know how to work a room. Because really, who demands more attention by simply walking by? They’re hard to resist. Proof: Among U.S. households in 2023, 66% owned at least one pet. Some 65.1 million people have a dog, while 46.5 million have a cat, according to Forbes. And don’t forget the fish swimming around on the 11 million mantles (or dressers). While the popularity of pets has steadily climbed for the past 35 years, so has the need to care for unwanted ones. How can you help support the animals in your community? KSL Classifieds has five ways you can get involved.

1. Adopt

More than 40,000 animals are brought to Utah shelters each year, according to the Shelter Animals Count, which means there are abundant opportunities for you to add a pet to your family. There are all kinds of animals needing homes. The Humane Society of Utah and Best Friends Animal Society both have small animals such as dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits. But you don’t have to go the traditional route. Farm animals, birds and reptiles need homes, too. You can find a list of animals currently available at the HSU on KSL Classifieds.

Photo credit: Ivan Babydov

2. Foster

Sometimes your love of animals isn’t compatible with your living situation. You may move or travel often or have an irregular work schedule. Or perhaps you just aren’t ready for a long-term commitment. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a pet. Instead, consider fostering an animal through the HSU or Best Friends. When you take an animal on a short-term basis — even just a few nights — you’re not only providing necessary care, but also helping to free up space in the shelter for others. You could help with a litter of kittens who aren’t quite ready for adoption, or a dog that is recovering from an injury. Shelters may provide the food and supplies, so all you need to give is love and attention.

Photo credit: Cats Coming

3. Volunteer

Even if you can’t bring an animal into your home, you don’t have to completely give up on the chance to hang out with furry friends. Shelters rely on volunteers to spend time with the animals and implement projects. As a volunteer, you might play with the animals. You may assist with community education classes or fundraising events. You could even help out by cleaning the animal living areas or preparing pet food. Contact your local shelter for opportunities.

Photo credit: Gustavo Fring

Share your photography talents

Want an excuse to spend a little more time with animals? Practice your glam shooting skills by taking photos of them. Donate the pictures for the shelter to use on their website, or post them on your own social media. Tell your friends about the most adorable [insert animal here] looking for a new home.

Voluntourism

Head to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah for a volunteer vacation. You can take a pup on a hike or spend time petting a timid bunny. Take an animal for a car ride, or even a sleepover at your pet-approved accommodations. With 1,600 animals at the Kanab site, there’s plenty of housekeeping work, too. Volunteer to clean up living areas, prepare meals or work on maintenance projects. 

Photo credit: Mia X

4. Donate

No time to help? You can still get involved. Shelters such as HSU and Best Friends rely on donations to help provide services. Cash donations are always useful, but you can donate items as well. Most needed supplies include:

• Dog training treats

• Dry and canned food (in original packaging)

• Kitty litter

• Small animal bedding

• Gently-used comforters, bath towels, fleece blankets

• Pet toys

Photo credit: Mathew Coulton

Drive donations

Want to help on a larger scale? Get creative and arrange a neighborhood drive, or ask for pet supplies in lieu of presents on your next birthday. Or, keep it simple by supporting fundraising events such as the HSU’s Bark at the Moon.

5. Care for your own pets

Before getting a pet, consider if you will be a good pet owner. Dogs, for example, live an average 10-13 years. Are you prepared to love your pets for as long as you both shall live? 

A puppy is adorable for a few weeks, but just like children, they get bigger. The HSU said some owners relinquish their young dogs because they are rambunctious — like most teenagers. Expect your pets to grow up, understanding that there may be some challenging times, both behavioral and healthwise.

Animals need more than shelter to stay healthy. To protect them and keep them at their best:

• Keep up with vaccinations

• Train them (where appropriate) to reduce behavioral problems

• Keep pets at their healthy weight

• Spay/neuter pets

If you’re struggling to care for your pet, reach out to the HSU for helpful resources such as behavior training classes.

Plus one

Search KSL Classifieds for the pet you’re ready to care for. You’ll find the usual sus-pets: dogs, cats, birds, fish. There are listings for more exotic animals, too, including reptiles, hedgehogs and ferrets. Explore the rescue animals category for adoption listings from local shelters. And when you’re ready to adopt or foster, you can find your supplies here, as well.