7 animal advocacy tips for the holidays
Along with buying gifts for loved ones this year, how about tackling a holiday to-do list that helps pets?
Here are a few things anyone can do to give back to pets during this festive season. These actions will not only help save lives, they’ll have a lasting effect even after your holiday-induced food coma has subsided.
Adopt love
If someone on your list is in the market for a new puppy or kitten around the holidays, don’t buy from a pet store or an online source. Instead, head to your local shelter and get an adoption gift certificate. That way, you are saving a life rather than supporting the puppy mill industry, and the recipient can choose the pet of his or her dreams. bestfriends.org/adopt
The gift that keeps on saving (lives)
Give friends and family a gift membership to Best Friends, and they’ll receive Best Friends’ bimonthly magazine, discounts on Sanctuary lodging and other benefits. As you know, each issue of the magazine is filled with feel-good stories and tips on how to help animals. bestfriends.org/giftmembership
Put your lawmakers to work for animals
Sign up to receive our advocacy alerts before legislative sessions resume in January. Best Friends action alerts make it easy to contact your local lawmakers and advocate for better laws to protect your community’s pets. bestfriends.org/action
Peacefully protest for puppies
Sadly, the holidays are a profitable time for the puppy mill industry. How about organizing a peaceful pet store protest to encourage people to adopt, rather than buy, their next pet? bestfriends.org/resources/puppy-mills
Wear your heart on your sleeve
Share your passion for animals all year long with gear from the Best Friends store. Even a small logo on an item you purchase can start a conversation about saving pets. bestfriends.org/shop
All are welcome here
Check to make sure your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t discriminate against certain breeds of dogs. If it does, change your insurance company and make sure you tell your agent why you are doing it. bestfriends.org/resources/pit-bull-terriers
Think spring (and kitten season)
Help to humanely reduce the number of community cats in your area by volunteering with your local trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, before the next “kitten season” arrives. Not sure how TNR works? Best Friends’ Community Cat Programs Handbook is loaded with information to help you and your neighbors get started. bestfriends.org/ccphandbook
Learn more about all the ways you can help animals year-round: bestfriends.org/getinvolved
Photos by Best Friends staff