How To Help Pets In Need This Holiday

This post is sponsored by BLUE Santa Snacks® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about Blue Buffalo Santa Snack, but I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. Blue Buffalo is not responsible for the content of this article.

I know I must sound like a broken record at this point, but dogs are my world. I can’t imagine a life without them and it makes me sad to think there are dogs all over the world that aren’t going to wake up on Christmas morning to a dog stocking full of treats and toys, much less pajamas to match their parents. I’ve partnered with Blue Buffalo this holiday season to talk about how we can help dogs in need, whether that is shelter dogs, family pets who have been displaced by natural disasters, abandoned animals and beyond. Giving back and helping out doesn’t have to mean donating millions of dollars (though I’m certain most charities would be appreciative!), so let’s chat about how you can make a difference!

How To Help Pets In Need This Holiday

1. I’ll start with an easy one – love your own pets. Make sure they are well fed, kept inside during color temperatures, take them for walks, tell them you love them. Blue Buffalo was founded on the motto “Love them like family” and I really love it. I know it’s an adage I follow 365 days a year, but it never hurts to be reminded 🙂

2. Share the love. Like I mentioned earlier, there are thousands of dogs in shelters this time of year just begging to be loved. The reality is that probably not all of them will get adopted or taken home to a loving family. One of my favorite things to do every Christmas Eve is go all “Supermarket Sweep” at Pets Mart and then drop off a huge donation of treats, toys, leashes and dog food to our local SPCA. This year, I’m including BLUE Santa Snacks®, festive crunchy dog biscuits featuring holiday spices like cinnamon and wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, barley, pumpkin and flax seed.

They come in fun shapes like Christmas trees, stars and bells and don’t contain chicken or poultry by-product meal, as well as no corn, wheat or soy. I’m especially cognizant of what I donate since Judy’s allergies are so bad, I know there is bound to be a dog or two that can’t have run-of-the-mill dog biscuits, too.

Want to pick some up for your own pet? Order here!

If you’re feeling extra festive, a great idea for delivering your donations is in a fun stocking! Add in BLUE Santa Snacks, a couple new tennis balls, a collar or leash and a squeaky toy (or two) to please the pups 🙂 Additionally, most shelters are always in need of trash bags, paper towels, cleaning supplies, office supplies and donated towels, so feel free to throw some of those in too! Deliver it alongside a note to the staff thanking them for all their time and effort in keeping that shelter or rescue going this year. You never quite know when someone might need the uplifting words.

3. Spend some time. Pets need love and attention every day, 365 days per year, so why not share some of your love with the ones who could benefit most? Shelters are always looking for volunteers to help with walks, playing, cleaning and care of their animals. Find a shelter or rescue near you here.

4. Consider fostering. Dogs are a lot of work and if you know that you’re just not up for the challenge of owning one, but would like to treat a pup for the holidays, considering fostering. Fostering is a great way to see how a dog will mesh into your lifestyle, plus that pooch gets lots of special attention and all the benefits of being in a home, not a shelter.

5. Shop at places that give back. The holidays are a time when so many businesses are donating a percentage of proceeds to local shelters, rescues or larger animal-based charities. If you need to do some shopping anyhow, why not make it dual purpose?!

6. Donate. This one is two-fold, so if you aren’t in a position to donate money, that’s okay, too. Obviously, donating money to shelters and charities is a great way to give back. In addition, donating your pet’s gently used leashes, collars, dog bowls, etc. is a great way to pay it forward this holiday season if you’re not in a position monetarily to give to your favorite place.

7. Get social. Have a charity you love? Share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, newsletter, or …however you communicate online! Sharing your favorites can inspire others to check them out and give their time, money or resources to help pups in need! My favorites include Life is Labs Rescue , Save A Lab Rescue + Oahu SPCA.

 

Are you a pet parent? How do you spoil your pooch for the holidays?