How to Help Animals Without Taking Them In

Q: I’ve read about pets left behind after foreclosures and people giving up their pets due to the economy. It breaks my heart and I want to help, but I just can’t take in another dog right now. What can I do to help pets in my community without taking in another animal?

A: It can be difficult to ignore emails or Facebook posts about cute little pups and kittens in need of forever homes. In this down economy, the number of pets in need seems to be rising steadily. Just as I shared tips to help your favorite charity without writing a big check, there are ways to help pets without taking in another animal.

What’s Your Charity-Giving IQ?

When Ami Ciontos and her husband first laid eyes on their new home in southwest Atlanta, it was an instant love connection. The massive lot offered plenty of room for their dogs as well as any foster pets. Before they moved into the house, their space became rescue central for homeless dogs in a neighborhood under transition. But Ciontos knew that there would never be enough space to affect the number of strays, particularly pit bulls, roaming busy streets near her home.

“You are not going to solve the [pet overpopulation] problem with rescue; it’s mathematically impossible,” Ciontos says. “We have to educate people and help them do better.”

To improve the lives of pets and people in her community, Ciontos created a nonprofit called the Atlanta Underdog Initiative, which promotes responsible dog ownership, educates the public about pit bulls and mastiffs, and works to alleviate pet overpopulation. Sometimes that means driving to a single mother’s home to vaccinate a new litter of puppies after a busy work day; other times, it means driving teenaged neighbors to a nearby animal shelter so they can see the number of pit bulls in need of homes — and perhaps take steps to spay or neuter their young dogs.

“That’s how we make the impact,” says Ciontos. “We reach one person and they reach the next person.”

Some welcome the help. Others don’t. At times, even Ciontos can get overwhelmed by the sheer number of needy pets. On those days, she unplugs the electronic devices, reads a book or plays with her dogs.

Next: 5 ways to make an impact

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Read more: Make a Difference, Pets

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Katja S.

7:03AM PST on Jan 28, 2012

Thanks for the advice! I regularly knit toys and blankets to send to cat shelters, however there isn't much in the way of volunteering available near me.

send a green star

Suzanne L.

2:55PM PST on Jan 22, 2012

There is so much that needs to be done to help animals. I donate $ and blankets, towels etc. locally and when I can I donate to other organizations for animal rescue.

Marie W.

11:34PM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Shelters are so different from place to place.

Ann F.

12:41PM PDT on Sep 14, 2011

thank so much for this article ! great Idea!

Rebecca O.

7:15AM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

What good hearts people have but it kills me that some can only think of giving up their pets. They have nothing but pure love for us and instead of giving up our own personal habits(like spending too much $ on cigarettes, liquor and scratch tickets) the only solution these people have is saying goodbye. This economy is bad and doesn't appear to be getting better quickly but I had 3 jobs just to support my animals. They were not the best jobs or most glamorous either. Many ways and people out there ready to help you keep your pet. Just take a look in their eyes when they see you. Nothing but happiness

sandra m.

7:42PM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

Good read.

Debbie L.

8:19AM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

It's so sad that people have to abandon their pets because of financial issues. I hope more and more people will help them.

Chris R.

7:57AM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

Thanks Megan!~

Caitlin F.

4:16AM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

thanks for the article