Local animal rescues like Happy Cats Haven in Manitou Springs play a crucial role in giving homeless pets a second chance at life and enriching our community. Particularly in the case of Happy Cats, they invest a lot of their resources in behavioral rehabilitation and creating a bridge that allows many cats a way to find a home. Supporting these organizations doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. Here are some easy ways anyone can help these vital community partners thrive:

1. Donate Resources

Animal rescues rely heavily on donations to operate. Even small contributions can make a difference. Consider donating:

Monetary Support: A recurring donation, no matter the size, helps with operating costs like food, medical care, and facility upkeep.
Supplies: Many rescues have wish lists for items like pet food, litter, toys, and cleaning supplies. Check their website or contact them directly to find out what’s needed most.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is a direct and impactful way to help. Most rescues need help with tasks like cleaning, socializing animals, and organizing events. Even an hour or two a week can make a big difference. If you have specialized skills (photography, handyman services, graphic design, grant writing), offer those too.

3. Adopt or Foster

If you’re ready for a new furry friend, adoption is a fantastic way to support a rescue and provide a pet with a forever home. If adoption isn’t possible, fostering an animal temporarily can free up space for rescues to take in more pets.

4. Spread the Word

Helping rescues reach more people is invaluable. Follow them on social media and share their posts about adoptable pets, fundraising events, or urgent needs. Community platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook are great places to increase visibility and educate folks on how easy it is to provide support.

5. Shop and Fundraise

Many rescues have partnerships with local businesses or online platforms that donate a percentage of sales to the rescue. Shop through these channels when you can. Additionally, hosting a small fundraiser—like a garage sale or bake sale—can raise awareness and funds.

6. Leave Reviews

Positive reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, or Yelp help rescues attract more supporters and adopters. If you’ve had a great experience, share it online.

7. Advocate for the Cause

Educate others about the importance of adopting from rescues instead of buying from breeders or pet stores. You can also help by advocating for policies that support animal welfare in your community and paying attention to legislation at the ballot box.

8. Attend Events

Animal rescues often host adoption fairs, fundraisers, and community events. Attending and bringing friends not only supports the rescue financially but also shows them they’re valued by the community.

Every small action adds up when it comes to supporting local rescues. Together, we can ensure that organizations like Happy Cats Haven continue to provide care and hope to the animals that need it most.

Supporting Your Local Animal Rescue