Ways to Advocate for Animals
Blog post created by Sam Cryer, Greenhill Humane Society volunteer
Did you know April 30th is Animal Advocacy Day? If you’re an animal lover, April may be the perfect month to up your animal advocacy game. Here are a few simple ways to advocate for animals:
Adopt. Few things are quite as rewarding as providing a loving forever home to an animal who needs it. If you’re in a position to do so, one of the many ways you can make the world a better place for animals is by providing one of them a caring home for life. If you’re not sure you’re ready for that step, we’re happy to answer questions and help you learn more. We can even match you up with the perfect pet—and we’re here to offer support after adoption too. See all our animals up for adoption here.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner. You can advocate for animals through everyday actions—including treating your own pets with love and respect. Showing others what responsible pet ownership looks like not only gives your own pet a happy home—it also helps other people to understand the importance of animals and their wellbeing.
Donate. Your local shelter or animal welfare organization can always use monetary donations, pet food, and other items to help animals in the community. Check out Greenhill’s current wish list for ideas.
Educate. In many cases, people aren’t intentionally trying to hurt or mistreat an animal—they simply don’t know the specific needs of that animal or the responsibility inherent in caring for a member of another species. By educating yourself and sharing your knowledge with others, you can help spread valuable information about proper animal care. Speak Up. If you see a situation where an animal’s health or safety is compromised, report it to your local animal control or animal welfare agency. By reporting inhumane conditions, you’re helping to raise awareness and give a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Foster. Providing a temporary home for animals who need it is another great way to advocate for animals. With kitten season getting into full swing, our fosters provide safe places for mama cats and their little ones. Our network of foster families also provides care and shelter for dogs and other animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters! Learn more about our foster care program.
Get Involved with Current Events. If you feel strongly about making life better for animals, make your voice heard! The ASPCA’s advocacy center has a list of current petitions and legislative measures, along with easy ways to let decision-makers know how you feel about these issues.
Shop Humane. The ASPCA has lots of resources to help you learn your way around food labels to make humane decisions when grocery shopping. Get started here with their suggestions for welfare-certified brands, label guides, and even a few plant-based recipe ideas!
Humane shopping isn’t just for groceries either. By buying only cruelty-free cosmetics, cleaning products, and household items; steering clear of fur, wool, and leather; and shopping for your own pets at reputable pet supply stores, you can make sure your dollars are supporting companies that have the same value for animals that you do.
Volunteer. Donations don’t always have to come in the form of money or items. Your time is one of the most valuable and appreciated things you can give to help animals. At Greenhill, we have lots of opportunities to help keep our animals safe, comfortable, and happy until they find their forever homes. Whether it’s cleaning kennels, cuddling kittens, or calling adopters to see how things are going, your time really can make the world a better place for animals. Learn more about volunteering at Greenhill.
Advocating for animals can take many shapes—which is perfect, because it means that anyone can find a way to advocate for our furry, scaly, and winged friends. You don’t have to do everything yourself—but by choosing one or two ways to advocate for animals, you join a wider group of like-minded people who are all doing what they can to make things better for animals, for people, and for communities throughout the world. Tag us on social media and let us know how you plan to advocate for animals this year!
Resources: https://www.aspca.org/take-action/advocacy-center
https://www.aspca.org/shopwithyourheart/consumer-resources
