Change a Pet’s Life: 4 Ways

January 24th is Change a Pet’s Life Day, a day that was created to bring nationwide attention to homeless pets who are in need of a “forever home.” Potential pet owners are encouraged to adopt shelter pets on this day, but there is a lot you can do to change a pet’s life even if you aren’t able to adopt a pet at this time. The pet sitters at Boulevard Bark certainly know what it’s like to want to help an animal even though you know you can’t adopt at this time. Remember, bringing a shelter pet into a home that isn’t truly prepared or equipped to house a new animal is a recipe for disaster, and may result in the pet being re-homed soon after you adopt him or her. So adopt responsibly, but don’t think adopting is the only thing you can do. Read on to find out how you can change a pet’s life on January 24th.

Adopt a Pet If You’re Ready to Do So

Giving a dog, cat or other pet a forever home isn’t the only way to change a pet’s life, it’s true … But it’s one of the most special and important things you can do for an animal in need, if you’re the right fit for that pet. If you’re in Bellingham, WA, you can look into adopting from the Whatcom Humane Society or the Alternative Humane Society. You also can become a true hero and give a home to one of the adoptable senior dogs at Old Dog Haven.

A few questions to ask yourself if you’re thinking about adopting, but want to make sure you do the right thing …

• Does my schedule allow me the amount of time I will need to help a new pet adjust to my home?
• If I want to adopt a puppy, do I have the time and energy to devote to training that puppy?
• Is a puppy, kitten, cat or dog going to fit in with everybody in my household, or is there someone who might have a problem with my new pet? Do I know how I will handle that situation?
• Do I have the financial resources to devote to feeding, training, and providing veterinary care for a pet?

If a new pet is a good idea for your home at this time, then you have an incredible gift to share with a lucky pet on January 24th!

Foster a Pet If You’re Not Sure About Adopting

If you want to give a homeless pet a safe, warm, happy place to stay, but don’t know if you can take on the responsibility of pet ownership, fostering a pet is a great alternative. When you foster a pet, you are giving it a loving, temporary home outside the shelter environment, until that animal finds a forever home. You may decide you can take on the responsibility of adoption, and end up adopting the pet that you foster. Whatcom County’s Alternative Humane Society doesn’t operate a shelter, and needs foster homes for all of their animals. Learn more about volunteering for AHS. The Whatcom Humane Society also has an animal foster program, and of course, you can also foster a senior dog through Old Dog Haven.

Change a Pet’s Life Through Sponsorship

A third option, if you find yourself unable to adopt or foster, is to sponsor a dog or cat. Every sponsorship program is different, but the basics are the same. A sponsor provides financial support to a dog or cat still seeking a permanent home. Your donations help the sheltering agency keep the pet happy and healthy until he/she finds a forever home. Petfinder.com has a “Sponsor a Pet Program.” If you want to do something more local to Bellingham/Whatcom County, consider sponsoring a senior dog through Old Dog Haven. Your financial support will help a “final refuge dog” live out the rest of her/his life in comfort, safety and happiness.

Make Some Changes for Your Own Pet

And finally, we can’t forget about how important it is to change our own pets’ lives! I’m sure you give your pet the highest quality of life possible, but there are always little things we can do to make them even happier and healthier. Maybe you can change up or enhance your dog’s exercise routine, or provide your cat with some enriching toys and activities. Think on a small scale–what would make your pet enjoy life more, right here and right now? Then make it happen.

How are you changing a pet’s life today? Let us know in the comments!