Do something

MAKE every day International Homeless Animals’ Day by helping stray dogs and cats in your neighbourhood or around the world. Here are a few suggestions:

Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue centre. Duties might include walking, playing with and grooming the dogs.

If you are overseas, take a break from sightseeing and volunteer at a local shelter. If you are too young to volunteer, see if the staff lead tours so that you can learn about how they help animals.

Lead a donation drive. Shelters always need food, cat litter, toys, treats and more. Make colourful posters to promote your event. Ask local businesses and your school if you can post your signs inside. Or pin a notice on a community notice board.

If your parents approve, post a photo of a dog or cat in need of a home on Facebook or Instagram. (Contact a local shelter for cute candidates.) Or make fliers with photos of the animals and display them in your neighbourhood. Include the contact information of the animal shelter in charge.

Pay to sponsor a dog or cat in a shelter. At Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket, Thailand, you can pick your dog – Dreambun, Genius or Jamie, for example – and receive updates on your “pet”.

If you see a wounded or sick stray, snap a photo and note the location. Then reach out to an animal rescue league for help. Remember to never approach an unfamiliar animal. – Washington Post