Animal Rescue
Animal rescue is a vital social service aimed at safeguarding animals from perilous situations frequently characterized by cruelty and mistreatment. Numerous animals find themselves in shelters due to evictions, overwhelming health issues, or other circumstances beyond their owners' control. While it's sometimes tempting to vilify those who surrender their animals, it's essential for animal advocates to remember that many people choose to give up their pets because they genuinely believe it's in the best interest of the animal or because they've exhausted all other options.
The differences between animal shelters and animal rescues can be difficult to nail down. This is because there is a great level of ambiguity and flexibility surrounding the two terms. Some places that interpret the term “animal rescue” broadly might even house animal shelters as a subset of animal rescues. If there were to be a key difference it would be that generally speaking, animal shelters tend to have facilities that house animals whereas animal rescues are typically foster-based organizations. This does not mean, however, that animal shelters do not have fosters, as many do. Many animal rescues also partner with boarding facilities to house their animals adding to the ambiguity between the two. Regardless of what they call themselves, both types of organizations have a common goal: they exist to help animals.
Every year an estimated 100.000.000 (one hundred million) dogs are abandoned within the EU. They are either dumped on the streets and end up straying or if lucky they are being surrendered by their owner to a shelter or rescue organization. Some dogs also enter the system due to cruelty seizures to receive care and rehabilitation at shelters. Though there are many rescues that accept strays or owner surrenders, many also focus on pulling dogs from animal shelters in order to make space for additional intakes and continue the ongoing trend of reducing the number of dogs euthanized every year in shelters.
The number of animals needed support has sharply increases in the past years and all rescues are struggling to cope with the amount of animals needing their help.
Animal shelters everywhere are always looking for volunteers to work with the animals. Often they have several different roles to choose from. Perhaps you prefer to walk dogs or spend one on one time with cats or maybe you’re most excited by the idea of helping match animals with the perfect new family. Regardless of your interests, you’ll find a way to help out.
Donating supplies or money to an animal rescue organization is an awesome way to help make sure they can continue rescuing animals year after year.
Most animal rescues and shelters will have a foster program to help place animals in homes while they wait for their forever family. Even if you are only able to commit to short-term fostering, providing a much-needed break from the stress of the shelter environment can be just what an animal needs to get adopted.
To become a Dog Foster with us please complete the application
Keeping your animals safe
Keeping the animals that you share your space with happy and healthy is one important way to help with animal rescue. By ensuring your animals are well-loved and cared for you are leading by example and can make sure that you have a positive influence on those in your community
Animal rescue organizations come in a rich variety, just like the animals they serve and the people who run them. Regardless of the species they cater to, their shared goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of animals in need.
Farm sanctuaries provide once-distressed farmed animals with an enriching and comfortable environment to spend the rest of their lives. In contrast, municipal shelters can be loud and bustling, often housing hundreds of animals at once. Yet, amid all the commotion, these organizations ensure that animals are well-loved and cared for, either until they are reunited with their families or find new forever homes.
Despite their differing settings, all these organizations have dedicated individuals who adore animals and have committed their lives to animal welfare, often working tirelessly. The next time you find yourself at an animal shelter or rescue, take a moment to show your appreciation to a staff member.
