9 Ways You Can Participate During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is a perfect opportunity for you to become acquainted with your local shelter.

In recognition of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 7-13, the Louisiana SPCA honors the dedicated people who work to protect animals through shelters and rescue organizations. This week-long tribute was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role the approximately 3,500 animal shelters across the country serve in enhancing the quality of life in their local communities. It is also about increasing public awareness of animal welfare issues and a great opportunity to get involved.

Animal shelters are an important resource and safe haven for animals. Our staff and volunteers not only offer shelter and care for homeless animals, but they also provide critical services in investigating and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect, reuniting lost pets with their families, and helping pet owners locate nearby resources for pet health and wellness in the case we cannot provide that care through our Community Clinic.

Here are 9 ways residents can help show their appreciation and support for their local shelters and rescues:

• Adopt a pet. If you’re ready to add a furry member to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group. See adoptable pets available at the Louisiana SPCA by visiting https://www.louisianaspca.org/adopt/animals/.

• Become a fan. Like and follow the Louisiana SPCA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and invite your friends and family to do the same. Help animals find their forever homes by sharing featured animal posts.

• Become a foster. Foster care is invaluable, as it allows young animals to grow and the sick and injured to heal. If you are interested in becoming a foster with the Louisiana SPCA, please visit https://www.louisianaspca.org/get-involved/foster-program/ to learn more about how you can help.

• Grant a wish or two. Our animals and staff always appreciate help from our community with certain supplies. Check out our Amazon Wish List to see how you can help.

• Help at home. If you already have a pet, you can help make the job of shelters and rescues easier by ensuring there are fewer animals in need of shelter. Ensure your cats and dogs have collars and proper ID, have your pets spayed or neutered, provide safe outdoor space and keep animals leashed when off your property.

• Expect the Unexpected. Local shelters are on the front lines during natural disasters such as hurricanes. Living in Louisiana, we need to make sure we have a plan for when a hurricane is coming our way and we have pets that depend on us. Take the time to learn how to help animals in your community, including your own pet, whether it’s a disaster, an emergency, or an accident.

• Say thank you. Take a minute to show your gratitude to the dedicated staff and volunteers who take care of our animals in need. Share a “happy tail” of a pet you adopted or were reunited with through your local shelter or rescue. Give them a shout-out on social media and share what value they bring to your community.

• Do Your Part. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community. Learn more about why spaying/neutering is important and how you can find affordable options. For feral cat populations, learn about our TNR program here https://www.louisianaspca.org/clinic/tnr/.

• Stay Alert. Your local animal shelter and animal control agency not only take in homeless animals, but also rescue the injured, abused, or neglected one too. Assist them by helping injured animals in your neighborhood and letting them know if you suspect animal cruelty in your community. For animal emergencies, the number to call is 911. For non-emergencies, the number to call is 311.