Living in such small space gives way to a big imagination when it comes to animals. I have always had a multi-pet household. Truth be told if we didn’t RV full-time I would love to have a farm and just be surrounded by animals day and night. Goats, cows, horses, ferrets, dogs, cats, birds — well you get the picture.
Giving up a stationary lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up on helping animals. Most animal shelters and rescues work on 100% volunteer staff and they often need people to come and help out. With the internet you can find local to you organizations that need a lending hand.
Here are some ways that as nomads we can continue to help animals.
* First and foremost – have YOUR pets Spayed / Neutered. I can not stress this enough. Too many animals die alone because of overpopulation. The other upside to having your pets altered — HEALTH. They are happier and healthier.
* Don’t support companies that test on animals or support cruelty to animals. It takes a bit of time to read labels and research but it is worth it. There is a great app / website called “Buycott” that can help you figure it out.
* Write letters in support of the animals. Be it for funding of municipal shelters, or against the wolf hunts. Your voice matters, but only if you exercise it.
* Donate your time to area organizations. They have long-term needs but also most are willing to work with your schedule. You can do a lot from your computer these days. I have stuffed envelopes, walked dogs, typing, made calls, graphic design, short-term foster, even transport. Again, use technology to your advantage.
* When you are ready to add an animal to your family … ADOPT ADOPT ADOPT. Not only are you saving that animal but you are making room for another animal to be saved.
Here are some organizations that always need volunteers.
Animal Welfare Institute
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Dogs Deserve Better
Pet-Abuse.com
For more information about top rated charities check out Charity Navigator
