Animal Rescues Across Texas
Texas is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. for pet shelter deaths per year — in 2019, nearly 97,000 pets were euthanized. Although that’s a 15% decrease from the previous year, there is still much to be done. But for anyone hoping to help animals in need, adoption isn’t the only way to help out — you can also volunteer, foster, and donate.
Where Texans Can Lend a Paw
There are many animal rescues in Texas that could use your help, especially after February’s harrowing weather strained animal rescue resources. If you’re looking to get involved, look up rescues and shelters in your area to connect with your local animal welfare community. You can find resources at these places:
- The SPCA (the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a large and reputable organization with several locations across the state and lots of helpful resources. The SPCA of Texas, located in North Texas, is one of its oldest and largest branches.
- Palm Valley Animal Society is another large organization that offers help.
- The Humane Society of North Texas is another animal welfare organization whose services include low-cost veterinary and spaying/neutering services, pet adoption, and cruelty investigations.
Cats and dogs aren’t the only animals you can support. Habitat for Horses rescues abused and neglected horses and ensures they don’t end up in the slaughterhouse. If you’re looking to adopt a horse, this is a great resource. Other ways to contribute include donating and volunteering in a variety of capacities, including at their horse ranches near Houston.
4 Ways to Help
Here are the basics if you’re looking to support animals in need.
1. Volunteer. Many organizations’ volunteer policies have changed over the course of the pandemic, so be sure to check in first. Volunteering can look like anything from helping to care for shelter animals, staffing an adoption event, supporting the office, or simply walking dogs and cats to get them some exercise.
2. Foster. Fostering gives animals in need a break from the shelter environment and helps ease the burden on overcrowded animal rescues in Texas. Fosters can last anywhere from a few days to a few months and can help animals transition to a permanent household. Fostering also can be a trial run for adoption if you’re considering adopting a pet; from their daily care to socialization to health needs, fostering will give you the full pet experience.
3. Adopt. There’s no better way to help an animal than to give it a good home. Visiting local shelters and talking to others who have adopted pets can help you learn what age, breed, and temperament would be best suited to your home and lifestyle.
4. Donate. Whether it’s a recurring donation or sponsoring an animal in need, donating is a great way to support animal rescues in Texas.
Protecting animals begins at home. Here’s what to do when you encounter a stray kitten.
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