Nov 1, 2024

Best 8 Ways to Celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

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National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is November 3 through 9. Below are the top ways to show appreciation for the work being done at DCHS for animals in need every day.

1. Adopt: Your new best friend is waiting for you! From dogs to cats to rabbits and more, DCHS has a variety of amazing animals looking for loving homes. Maybe you want to snuggle up with a senior cat – after all, November is also Adopt a Senior Pet Month -- or you’re looking to add another chicken to your coop, our experienced Adoption Counselors can help find a great match for your lifestyle. Find your new bestie!

2. Donate: No amount is too small. Monetary donations give us the flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of the various animals who come through the doors of DCHS and our Wildlife Center. DCHS also received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, ensuring donors they can “give with confidence.” Donate today to DCHS and our Wildlife Center!

3. Shop: When you shop at DCHS Thrift Store on the West Side, 6904 Watts Road, or at our new East Side location, 5231 High Crossing Blvd., both in Madison, proceeds go to support animals in need at DCHS and in our community. Shop gently-used clothing, furniture, books, décor, pet supplies, kitchen goods, and more at some of the lowest prices in town. Follow the Thrift Store on Facebook and Instagram for thrifty finds, deals, and more!

DCHS Thrift Store sells gently used clothing, décor, furniture, books, kitchen items, and more! Proceeds benefit animals in our community.

4. Spread the word: We are an adoption guarantee shelter, meaning all healthy and treatable animals can stay at DCHS for as long as it takes to find their loving home. We also offer a number of services, like microchipping, rehoming a pet, and dog training classes, as well as a variety of education programs, including Camp Pawprint, Birthday Parties, and so much more. To stay in the know, sign up for our enewsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram! For wildlife enthusiasts, sign up for their quarterly enewsletter (select wildlife) and follow our Wildlife Center on Facebook. For education news, sign up for their monthly enewsletter (select education).

5. Support wildlife: Our Wildlife Center is supported 100% by donations. Donate today to support our rehabilitation work helping sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals. You can also use your skills to help support wildlife in our community. You can build a nest box for birds or squirrels, or create a pollinator garden. There are also a number of citizen science opportunities, including reporting on turtle road crossings and monitoring bats. Find your wildlife project!

6. Independent fundraising: Whether it’s hosted by individuals, groups, or businesses, independent fundraising brings a community together for a great cause! How can you bring your colleagues, friends, or family together for the animals? Host an event! Not ready to hold an event? Participate in an event. Find an event! And don't forget to check our ongoing fundraisers.

7. Volunteer: We couldn’t accomplish everything we do daily without volunteers. They are the backbone of DCHS. The cleanings, the feedings, and of course, the snuggling. Volunteers, both in-shelter and foster families at-home, love our animals and our animals love them. Become a volunteer! Can't commit to a regular shift? We also offer Service Days, Group Volunteer Experiences, Paws & Pages Reading Program, and occasionally Community Volunteeringommunity Volunteering.

8. Join the team: We are caregivers, family builders, support raisers and, most importantly, animal lovers. Join the DCHS team!

The WIldlife Center team gives an exam to a bald eagle.

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