Alternatives to having your own pet
Maybe you cannot commit to having a pet? We show you other options for enjoying pets without having your own
Not all animal lovers have the opportunity to keep their own animal long term. Anyone who still wants to take care of an animal, can consider various alternatives.
Volunteering: Taking care of shelter animals
Animal shelters often require support from volunteers. This can involve various tasks, from running the shelter dogs to hosting an event like the open house. It's best to ask at a shelter near you.
Walking dogs: Many animal shelters are happy about people who would like to walk shelter dogs in their free time. Get in touch with a shelter near you and ask.
Playing with shelter cats: Cat friends can take the time to play with their favorite animal, pet them and help socialise them.
Reading stories: This beautiful gesture is often done by children and has far-reaching effects. Children can become more sensitive to animals, the dogs and cats get more comfortable and lose their fear. Heavily traumatised animals often succeed in regaining trust in people, which increases their chances of adoption.
Donations
Animal shelters are dependent on donations for their animals. These benefits can be both monetary or physical donations. Cash donations are of enormous importance, as they enable many necessary measures, such as cost-intensive veterinary care and feeding. What and how much is needed donors can ask directly at the shelter
Fostering: providing a temporary home
A foster home offers an excellent opportunity to care for a pet for a limited period of time, providing a loving home taking care of its well-being.
Becoming a godparent
Godparents make a valuable contribution to animal shelter animals. Sometimes it is only a small monthly contribution that helps to ensure the costs of food and medical care.