Hot Topics     Home and Family    

3 simple ways to support overpopulated animal shelters and pets in need



Your local shelter needs your help

support overpopulated animal shelters


Pets are right by their owners’ sides when they need them. Without hesitation, they provide support, companionship, protection and more. Right now, more than 250,000 dogs and cats are waiting in United States shelters, according to Share the Care, a coalition created by more than 100 shelters and animal welfare organizations. With shelters experiencing overpopulation and resource constraints, these pets need help.

To reciprocate the support pets provide, Mars Petcare is launching Service Humans Needed, its largest shelter volunteer program ever. The company is calling on all “service humans” to support pets in need through acts of service. Consider these three ways to help homeless pets and find more information on how to get involved at BetterCitiesforPets.com/ServiceHumans.


Photo courtesy of Mars Petcare                    

Volunteer Your Time
Whether a one-time event or on an ongoing basis, shelter staff appreciate volunteer support. There are many ways to contribute, including walking dogs, socializing with pets, connecting with shelter visitors, cleaning pet areas and more. As an added bonus, volunteering at your local shelter can be a way to meet like-minded people in your community while serving a common cause.


Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

READ MORE: 4 reasons to consider adopting a pet

Volunteer Your Home
Due to the high number of homeless pets, shelters are experiencing overpopulation and resource constraints, according to Shelter Animals Count. If you have time to commit and are willing to offer a shelter pet a loving home during a time of need, fostering and adopting can help alleviate stress on shelters and create space for more pets in need. Fostering pets and spending time with them at home can also help you determine if you’re ready to become a pet parent.


Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Volunteer Your Platforms
If volunteering your time or home isn’t doable right now, volunteering your social platforms for the cause can also be an immense help to shelters. In a study by AdoptAPet.com, nearly 9 of 10 shelters and rescue organizations surveyed agreed the simple act of sharing information about adoptable pets on social media can increase the likelihood of them being adopted.

(Family Features) 



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 4 ways to promote positive maternal mental health

    It's important to take good care of yourself

    The joys of raising and nurturing a baby are practically endless for new parents, yet there remain challenges to overcome. While it may be natural to focus attention and energy on caring for a new baby, it’s equally important for mothers to maintain their own mental health. read more »
  • Foot and ankle safety tips for the summer months

    7 facts you need to know

    From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential. read more »
  • Donate plasma to save lives this summer

    It's a meaningful way to give back to your community

    Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro. read more »
  • Reinvigorate your plant collection

    Annual Master Gardener Program Great Plant Swap and Sale

    The Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardener “Great Plant Swap & Sale” Returns on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Forsyth Park Pavilion, 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. The proceeds benefit the Dominic Parise Master Gardener Scholarship. read more »
  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »