Giving Back: How You Can Help Pets This Holiday Season

For many animal lovers, this time of year naturally inspires a want to help pets.  It’s the holiday season, after all. From donations to volunteering, there are several ways you can make a difference in the lives of animals and help pets this holiday season.

To help you plan such charitable acts, your friends at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates want to showcase some of our favorite ways you can consider giving this holiday season.

The Gift of Time

Because our lives are busier than ever, time is one of the most precious resources around. Here are some ideas of how you can offer your time to animal causes:

• Offer to walk an elderly or ill person’s dog this winter.
• Sign up to cuddle kittens or walk dogs at a local animal shelter.
• Volunteer to help with a “Pictures with Santa” day at a local shelter or practice.  Everyone loves pet photos!
• Commit your time and talents to answering phones, taking photos of adoptable pets, or working on the website of your favorite animal charity.
• Make calls to local legislators whenever an important animal issue is being addressed.
• Use social media to get to know and promote animal causes that are near and dear to your heart.

Donated Items

Gently used pet supplies are invaluable to Humane Societies and other animal shelters. This might include unopened packages of food and treats, beds, blankets, cold weather gear, cat trees, toys, or anything else that can make the day of a deserving puppy or kitten.

But it doesn’t end there! Many shelters and nonprofits also need items to help them run more efficiently. This could include anything from a laptop to a printer to other office supplies.

Monetary Gifts

One of the simplest and most impactful gifts you can make is a financial donation to one or more of your favorite animal charities. Nonprofits rely on donations to operate successfully, and there’s no better a time than now to give! Not only will you help keep doors open and encourage more animals to be rescued, you’ll also benefit from year-end tax deductions. Win-win!

If one large donation isn’t feasible, a great way to donate is through monthly automated gifts, which provide a reliable stream of revenue for charities that need support year-round.

Other Ways to Help Pets This Holiday

Last but not least, adopting or fostering a pet is one of the greatest gestures you can make as an expression of love for all animals. Being a responsible pet parent who gives your time, affection, and care makes such a tremendous difference in the life of a special companion. We thank you!

Are you and your family doing anything special to help pets this holiday season? We’d love to hear from you!