Homeless animals need some love, too, on National Pet Day
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While many animal lovers would say this is every day for them, Thursday is National Pet Day. Whether your pet is feathered, finned or furry, there are plenty of ways to honour the special critter in your life.
Social-media app Nextdoor is using the occasion to spread some good. In support of the Toronto Humane Society, Nextdoor is encouraging people to give some love to the animals who don’t have a place to call home this National Pet Day.
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Nextdoor Canada managing director Christopher Doyle said pets are a popular topic on the social-networking platform and supporting the shelter was a perfect fit for their app, which is “all about helping each other.”
Many pet lovers are active on the site, Doyle explained, assisting with posts looking for lost pets, recommending neighbourhood pet sitters and dog walkers and buying and selling pet items.
The platform also has seen a growing success rate of getting pets home with nearly 4,000 reunited with their families. Many lost pets don’t venture far from home, so connecting with those in the immediate area can be vital in getting a runaway critter back safe and sound.
While many pets get a happy ending after being returned to their families, there are many more waiting for their forever homes in shelters and rescues. With many shelters overflowing with pets, Doyle said giving back to these organizations fits in a three-fold plan for Nextdoor:
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1. “Spring cleaning is happening, so we’re encouraging neighbours that they can donate gently used pet items, so that could be pet beds or harnesses or toys, even pet food. The Humane Society even accepts open bags of pet food.”
2. “We did a poll on Nextdoor and 29% of people said they were feeling lonely or isolated, so we want to help them solve that. Connecting to your local shelter and volunteering can be a great way to get out in the community and meet other people, too.”
3. “The Humane Society is also looking for people to create fundraisers or drives for them. You can create an event on the platform, a walk or run or birthday party for your pet or neighbourhood pet food drive.”
If you want to drop off a treat, toy or other items, the Toronto Humane Society is located at 11 River St. in Toronto. If you don’t live nearby but still want to help shelter pets, check with the local shelter or animal services in your community, as many shelters are always looking for donations, such as food, toys, leashes, bowls and pet beds, as well as towels, blankets and flat sheets.
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