Helping animals in need is deeply rewarding, and there are many ways members can make a difference for dogs, cats and other animals that have been abandoned or abused. Not sure where to start? Check out these suggestions:
- Connect with animal advocacy organizations. Learn about the impact of animal rescues and shelters by researching information from these national organizations:
- Volunteer time and talent.
- Contact animal shelters and rescues. These organizations often need help with feeding, walking dogs, cleaning facilities and socializing animals. Ask what jobs kids can do safely and schedule regular times for the club to visit and help.
- Help transport animals. Some animals go from shelters/rescues in one state to another, increasing their chances for adoption. The sponsoring Kiwanis club could rent a van and arrange for its members to drive — and Builders Club advisors, members and interested family members could each have an animal to care for during the trip.
- Work together on animal adoption profiles. Share an example of a well-written adoption profile with Builders Club members at a meeting. Provide a photo of the animal and information the shelter has on file. Challenge members to collaborate on writing from the animal’s perspective, sharing the best personality traits about them. Email the finished profiles to the shelter for posting.
- Donate money or supplies. Financial donations help organizations spend where it’s most needed. Organize a club fundraiser to support a local shelter or rescue. Check with the shelter/rescue to access their online fundraising tools. And check the organization’s “wish list” for in-kind donations (e.g., food, blankets, toys and cleaning supplies) and share that information with others. Encourage the club to conduct a shelter drive, collecting items that are most needed.
- Foster animals. When you provide temporary care, the shelter can make room for more rescues. One members’ family can serve as a foster family, while other club members and their families can help when needed. Many types of animals need fostering — from dogs and cats to rabbits, birds and others. Select an animal that is easily supported.
- Adopt a feral cat colony as a club project. Builders Club members can help the sponsoring Kiwanis club build and place outdoor shelters where the colony lives. They can also visit the colony regularly to ensure food and water are available. If working with a local feral cat organization, the club can manage the size of the colony with the help of a Trap-Neuter-Return program.
- Raise awareness. Conduct an advocacy campaign about adoptable pets, lost animals and animal welfare. Create posters to share information in common areas at school and on the school’s website and social media outlets.