Easy ways to help Philly’s homeless pets

Courtesy of Marsha Perelman, local and national animal activist.

A dog waits to be adopted at the Chester County SPCA.Read moreMari A. Schaefer / Staff

by Marsha Perelman

Published Mar. 18, 2020, 5:00 a.m. ET

MAKE A DONATION: Financial gifts allow shelters and rescues to direct your money where it’s needed most, whether for medical care, food, or transportation of an animal.

ADOPT: When it comes to ending an animal’s homelessness, there’s no option like adoption. Sites like adoptapet.com offer an easy way to get your search started.

FOSTER: Fostering both helps the pet you take into your home and frees up shelter space for another animal in need.

VOLUNTEER: The improved well-being of the region’s pets is a direct result of dedicated volunteers who pour time, energy, and passion into the well-being of our animals, from walking shelter dogs, to socializing rescued cats, to helping with special events that further the cause.

GO FOR A RUN: Many shelters and rescues depend on volunteers to take dogs on runs, an activity that keeps them healthy and happy and contributes to their calm at the shelter. A well-behaved dog is a more adoptable dog.

GIVE AT WORK: Many employers offer a workplace giving program, in which they’ll match your charitable gift to an animal-support nonprofit. You can also ask to share information with colleagues about area shelters or rescues, or to set up a donation box for financial contributions.

SHARE A SPECIAL OCCASION: Have a birthday or celebration around the corner? Consider asking for donations, in lieu of personal gifts, to favorite rescue or shelter.

SHOP: Something as simple as shopping on Amazon can actually help local shelter pets. Visit AmazonSmile at smile.amazon.com, choose your favorite charity, then shop away.

SHARE: Follow your favorite organization on social media and share their posts with your friends: It sounds too simple to be effective, but many homeless pets have found homes and fosters through social media.

CRAFTERNOON: Kids are never too young to help the cause. Ask your local shelter or rescue if they could use some easy DIY animal items, like snuffle mats, rope toys, and fleece blankets.

— Marsha Perelman

MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

As executive director of the Pennsylvania SPCA, Julie Klim is often asked this question: Why should society focus on helping animals when there are so many humans in need?

“But the question should be, ‘How do we, as a region, care for our most vulnerable members, both humans and animals?’” Klim said. “Because looking out for each other is not an either/or situation – and it doesn’t have to be. What can be the kind of society that does both.”

The organizations below are among many in the Delaware Valley devoted to the health and welfare of our animals. They rely heavily on volunteers for help and would welcome your support. (This list is by no means exhaustive; apologies to those not mentioned here.)

- Ronnie Polaneczky

All 4 Paws Inc., Chester Springs, PA

all4pawsrescue.com

Animal Welfare Association of South Jersey

www.awanj.org

ARF-SEPA Animal Rescue Foundation of Southeastern Pennsylvania

www.arfsepa.com

City of Elderly Love, Philadelphia

www.cityofelderlylove.org

First State Animal Center and SPCA, Camden DE

www.fsac-spca.org

Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals, Radnor, PA