EMPOWERING ANIMAL RESCUE THROUGH COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
Animal rescue is not just a job; it’s a calling that demands immense physical and emotional resilience. Those who dedicate their lives to this cause face daily challenges that go far beyond the average workday. They juggle the complexities of rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for animals, all while managing their personal responsibilities and often also full-time jobs. Yet, despite their unwavering commitment, rescuers often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of requests for help, with their limited resources.
Animal rescue is a relentless, emotionally draining endeavor and when the community fails to support these efforts adequately, the burden on rescuers increases significantly. The common plea for help on social media saying: “someone help the animal” overlooks the reality that you are someone and you can do something. For the rescuer, your request for help might be the 10th one of the day and if you can help more than just doing a post for help, then they can deal with 9 situations and you with one.
This article is not meant to make anyone feel guilty or to stop posting for help, but rather to help you understand the reality rescuers face and that there is a need for a more engaged and supportive approach from the public.
THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
To bridge the gap between need and support, it’s essential for the community to actively participate in animal welfare. The mantra should be: You are someone; you do something. This principle involves more than acknowledging the issue—it means taking actionable steps to support rescuers and the animals they care for, especially with individual situations that may arise in your area. We understand that not everyone is always in a position to help at the time, but if you can, then do lighten the load on the rescuers. Yes, it might be a day or two inconvenience for you but it helps that animal and the rescue who is already overwhelmed every day. Let’s explore some ways to do this below.
RESPONSIBLE PET GUARDIANSHIP
First of all, the best way to help is if everybody is a responsible owner/guardian. This is important so that your animals do not overwhelm the system and become statistics and the responsibility of rescuers.
- Prevent escape and roaming the streets.
- Spay and neuter your pets, so your female in heat does not attract unsterilized males and your unsterilized male doesn’t go on a walkabout.
- Provide them with food, water, love, care, and enrichment. Read more here on why love is not enough.
- Get them immediate veterinary care when needed.
- Take responsibility for your animals.
AS A RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY
- Don’t give animals as surprise gifts to anyone.
- Do not breed or support breeders, sellers/brokers, or pet shops. We have to euthanize thousands of healthy animals a day in SA because there are just not enough homes.
- Do not rehome through or support “free to a good home” advertisements.
- Report cruelty to the authorities.
- Adopt don’t shop.
- Educate others.
BE PROACTIVE AND HELP!
Some think that if they posted, then they have done their part, but we need far more than that. Often the excuse for not taking in an animal is that “we have animals”, but so do the rescuers, usually more than you.
Instead of merely sharing posts about animals in need and hoping someone else will handle it, evaluate what you can do directly. Offer temporary foster care, help with transportation, or donate supplies. Recognize that rescuers are already stretched thin, and your direct involvement can make a significant difference.
Can you take the animal to the SPCA? If you don’t want to do this, then you need to help instead of just saying “Don’t take to the SPCA”! Can you take the animal to one of our trusted Vets? Can you keep the animal in your garage or bathroom for a few hours – which is safer than the streets? If the animal is scared, can you put out some food or water (have an emergency packet in your car)?
Another example is finding baby birds. People remove them and then want someone to take them in. We know the intentions were good, but we also often share what to do and request that unless the baby is in imminent danger, not to interfere as they are often fledglings learning to fly. Always contact a rescuer or rehabber for guidance before you just remove birds, kittens, or other wildlife.
Read the posts rescuers often share on what to do so that you know in advance what to do, which can save time and lighten the load. Also, join local groups like neighborhood groups and the lost and found groups in advance. Here is our Facebook link for Verlore Diere Secunda (TEKS)
If you rescue an animal, assume responsibility for their well-being. Avoid offloading the animal to an organization without contributing support. If you’ve taken an animal into your care, provide necessary food, supplies, or funds to cover their needs. Your active involvement ensures that rescues are not overwhelmed further by additional responsibilities.
Also, read last week’s article on pets as gifts for the elderly. Please stop giving animals as surprise gifts because, in the end, the animals suffer when a person cannot meet their needs and are not ready to take them in.
HOW CAN YOU FURTHER LEND A PAW?
GET INVOLVED
- Connect with Local Shelters: Reach out to a reputable shelter or organization in your area to express your interest in volunteering. Call or visit the shelter, ask to speak to the volunteer coordinator, and introduce yourself.
- Express Willingness to Help: Inquire about volunteer opportunities or other ways you can contribute to alleviating the shelter’s workload.
- Explore Various Roles: Learn about the shelter’s operations and explore roles such as feeding, washing, walking, administrative tasks, or fostering.
- Utilize Professional Skills: Offer any professional skills you possess, such as accounting, IT, fundraising, bookkeeping, plumbing, electrical work, design work, etc., to support the organization.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD
- Stay informed: Read and stay informed about resources shared by animal welfare organizations, even if they don’t directly apply to you at the moment.
- Educate others: Share your newfound knowledge with at least one person to contribute to broader awareness.
- Engage on social media: Support organizations by liking, sharing, and commenting on their posts, especially adoption-related content. Your engagement, especially commenting and sharing can increase the visibility of their posts.
- Participate in fundraising: If financial contributions aren’t feasible, support fundraising events and offer assistance in other ways. You can also organize a fundraiser for a reputable organization.
- Show appreciation: Acknowledge the efforts of staff, rescuers, or volunteers by buying a coffee or lunch, leaving a note of encouragement, or offering another token of appreciation.
- Support reputable organizations: Channel your support to organizations with proper adoption policies, financial transparency, and ethical practices. Not just those who claim to do it.
- Addressing misconceptions and criticism
Rescuers often face criticism and backlash, sometimes due to misunderstandings or misplaced expectations. It’s crucial to approach these situations with empathy. Recognize that rescuers experience emotional and physical exhaustion. Constructive feedback and support are more helpful than criticism, which can undermine the morale of those working tirelessly for the cause. Most rescuers are one failed rescue or one such backlash away from quitting. Animal welfare has enough drama, so don’t get involved, and definitely do not give an uninformed opinion when you don’t have all the facts.
Read more about Compassion Fatigue among Animal Welfare Workers.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF YOUR ACTIONS
For everyone, there is a way to help! If you can’t adopt, FOSTER. If you can’t foster, SPONSOR. If you can’t sponsor, VOLUNTEER. If you can’t volunteer, DONATE. If you can’t donate, EDUCATE – NETWORK – SHARE.
Every action, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate situation and inspires others to join the cause. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference and help build a more compassionate environment for those who need it most.
Animal rescue is a demanding yet profoundly rewarding endeavor. While the efforts of individual rescuers are crucial, they cannot succeed in isolation. The collective power of a supportive and engaged community can significantly enhance the effectiveness of rescue operations and improve the lives of countless animals.
By embracing the mantra “You are someone; you do something,” each of us can contribute to this vital work. Whether through direct involvement, advocacy, or supporting rescuer efforts, every contribution counts. Together, we can create a more compassionate world for animals and ensure that rescuers have the support they need to continue their lifesaving work.
Thank you to every person who has made the effort and often at an inconvenience for themselves or their family, to help animals in need.
Next week we will look at why sterilization is so important!
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
