How You Can Help Abandoned Pets

According to the Humane Society of the United States, animal shelters take in 6-8 million dogs and cats every year, of which 3-4 million are euthanized. Many of these animals were lost or abandoned.

People looking to help don't necessarily have to adopt a pet or even write a check to make a difference. Rene Lynch of the Los Angeles Times states that social media is one of the most powerful tools available for helping shelter animals.

“Using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even Pinterest can help animal rights organizations, rescues and municipal shelters spread the word about critters available for adoption.”

Lynch offers these additional suggestions to reduce the number of lost/abandoned animals and help support shelters and rescue groups:

Reduce Pet Overpopulation

• Spay/Neuter all animals as early as possible 
• If necessary, seek low-cost spay/neuter options 
• Think twice before breeding your pet 

Keep Your Pet Out of a Shelter 

• License and microchip your pet 
• Make sure your pet is always wearing his collar and tags 
• Keep your pet indoors rather than outside 

Adopt a New Pet 

• Adopt from a shelter or rescue group 
• Consider adopting an older pet 
• If you are interested in a specific breed, adopt from a breed rescue 

Think Beyond Pet Ownership 

• Volunteer at a shelter or rescue
• Consider fostering a shelter animal 
• Donate supplies to a local shelter or rescue group

If you are having problems with a current pet, seek help. Most importantly, do NOT abandon your pet. Domesticated animals have little chance of surviving in the wild. Turn the animal over to a shelter or rescue and give it a chance to find a new home. 

Read full article at http://lat.ms/NynMNF