Making a difference for animals this holiday season

As we’re approaching the end of the year, we’re all getting ready for the season of giving. It’s that time again for some holiday shopping, writing down that pasalubong to-do list. But aside from giving to our loved ones, Christmas season is also the perfect time to give to others that need the most. And as a member of our SPC family, we all have a soft spot for the animals that need love this time of year. 

With so many shelters and animal nonprofit organizations in the country, there are tons of opportunities to help out. Thinking of volunteering or donating? Here are some answers to common assumptions about volunteering: 

“I need to be a vet to volunteer for a shelter”

False! Although vets are a valued resource for these animal groups, you don’t need a medical degree to volunteer. As an animal lover and advocate, you already have a lot to offer. For Pawssion Project, the organization has multiple committees and you can even visit the shelter to help their caretakers.  

“Organizations and shelters benefit from both monetary and in-kind donations”

True! While we recommend checking with the specific organization what their current needs are, most shelters and animal groups rely on donations. If you know a supplier of dog or cat food, these organizations go through sacks of food to sustain their animals. For CARA Welfare Philippines, they use food donations to sustain the cats in their community and also share donations with other groups that have feeding programs. 

“Shelters don’t need much help after the initial rescue of the animal”

False! While these organizations work hard to rescue animals in need, they pour in equal if not more energy and time to helping them recover. These animal groups provide food, shelter, water, and medical bills for their rescues. 

Sadly, there are animals who take a while to get adopted or get moved from one foster home to another. Speaking on these types of situations, the Cats of UPLB team advocates that “long-term fosters deserve assurance—that no matter how long they stay, they will be provided for.” 

“Animal groups go above and beyond for their communities”

 

True! Aside from the work that they do for their own fosters and rescues, many organizations across the country hold regular spay-neuter drives, feeding programs, adoption events. The team behind Cats of Legaspi Village even reaches out to building managers whose properties have anti-cat policies. 

Your help can multiply the impact of the great work these groups do for our animals. 

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