15 Acts of Kindness for Pet Lovers & Animal Enthusiasts

Recently a few readers requested a post based on acts of kindness that benefit animals and pets.  Even Brigitte Bardot once said that no matter whether it’s someone from the political left or right, we just need a voice to stand up and defend animal rights.  So here you go, my friends.  Here are 15 random acts of kindness for pet lovers and animal enthusiasts:

1. This one is simple and pretty much any member of the family can get involved. If you have an elderly or sick neighbor, why not offer to walk their dog?
2. Animal shelters are always in need of supplies, so consider taking pet food or supplies over to the nearest animal shelter.
3. While you are at it, if you need to buy pet food for a dog or cat, consider Rachel Ray’s line called Nutrish. Proceeds from sales of this all-natural pet food line go towards food, medical supplies and treatments for animals in need.
4. Since we have already mentioned shelters, why not think about volunteering at a local animal shelter.  They sure could use your help and the animals would appreciate it too.
5. Walk or run a 5k that benefits a pet or wildlife charitable organization.  Go to http://active.com to look for an event in your area.
6. Text “BIGCATS” to 50555 to give $10 in support of animal protection through National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative.
7. Foster a pet that is up for adoption.  For more information, go to http://www.petfoster.org/ or http://www.paws.org/foster.html.
8. You can also foster a military pet for a service man or woman while they are serving overseas.  For more information, go to http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/issues-information/fostering-military-pets.html
9. Join the World Wildlife Fund’s action network so you can stay informed about their wildlife conservation efforts, sign petitions that need support and share their efforts with your friends.
10. Bookmark sites that have sponsors who donate to non-profit organizations when someone clicks on the link and visit them daily. You can help save animals such as baby seals, primates and wolves.
11. Learn how to report animal cruelty.  In some states, the police department investigates animal cruelty while in others it is run by a local animal control or municipal agency.  If you aren’t sure where to report such incidents, you can read about reporting animal cruelty here.
12. Purchase items that give twice. These Altruette charms from Nordstrom sell for $15 each and they are a great gift for girls. One dollar from every whale charm, turtle charm or elephant charm sold benefits animal charities.  Also, a portion of the proceeds from this Peace, Love, Rescue necklace sold on Etsy will be donated to HALO Animal Rescue.
13. Go to the zoo or head to the aquarium.  The vast majority of zoos and aquariums are not-for-profit organizations that care deeply for the animals they house and do wonderful work for animal conservation programs. They benefit from memberships, ticket purchases and, of course, donations.
14. Adopt an animal (symbolically, that is) through the World Wildlife Fund. They have over 100 different species of animals available for a symbolic adoption at http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions.aspx.
15. Shop online via GiftsThatGive.com. One dollar from every five dollars spent goes to support the charity of your choice. They have a fabulous selection of items and there are currently 1835 animal rights and wildlife organizations available to choose from.

Also, you can keep up to date on current bills in either the House or Senate having to do with animal rights and animal welfare.  For information, go to http://www.paws.org/take-action.html.

Are you a pet lover or animal enthusiast who has done any of these acts of kindness lately?  Would you do them going forward?  Tell us about it!

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