We have all seen the heartbreaking commercials – photos and videos of abused and neglected animals, seemingly reaching out to us, crying in pain, accompanied by powerful, tear inducing music meant to stir deep emotions inside of us. How can you turn away from the images on the screen of starving dogs and cats, shivering in the rain, without wanting to do something? How can you not open your wallet and donate your money when you are faced with images of sick puppies and kittens denied medical care, or images of skeletal cows and horses abandoned and left to fend for themselves? National organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) are counting on the fact that anyone with a heart will see those images and want to help by making a monetary donation. Sadly though, most of the money donated to them will not directly benefit our local shelters or go to any hands on animal care. Our local shelters and rescue groups must raise the majority of the money they need to run and care for animals completely on their own.
According to the Humane Society for Shelter Pets, an organization such as HSUS dedicates the majority of its resources to lobbying, fundraising and raising awareness. Less than one percent of its annual budget is given to local animal shelters (source, Humane Society for Shelter Pets), such as the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. The HSUS is not even affiliated with any local humane societies. Additionally the ASPCA is a national organization that has no affiliation with any local SPCA shelters (with the exception of one New York City shelter). So when someone is moved to tears watching an expensive commercial produced by the HSUS or ASPCA, and decides to give a gift, very little, if any, of that donation is going to help the local shelters that are rescuing and saving animals every day.
In these tough economic times, it’s important to know that the money we donate is going exactly where we intend it. If you want to make a monetary donation, and really do want to help your local shelters and animals directly, please consider donating locally. Pittsburgh has a number of different shelters, such as the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh, which are both open door shelters. Open door shelters take in any animal, regardless of breed, age, health and temperament. We are also lucky to have no-kill shelters such as Animal Friends of Pittsburgh, plus many different rescue groups. There are many to choose from. If you need help deciding which shelter or rescue to donate to, you can visit the Humane Society for Shelter Pets’ website and search for a local shelter or group. If you are considering a new pet for your family, you can also find a list of adoptable pets here as well (you can read more about Benny, pictured above, an 11 year old Jack Russell Terrier, available for adoption). Please remember, an animal is a lifetime commitment.
If you still want to help, but are unable to make a monetary donation, shelters are always in need of household items, such as cleaning supplies, blankets, pet food and supplies and toys. If you can’t donate money or goods, you can always donate your time. Shelters are always in need of people to help out in the kennels, to walk dogs, or hold kitties and bunnies. Donating your time is often the most generous thing you can do, and the rewards are great.
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