Animal Welfare Activities

Animal welfare consists of the physical well-being of animals as well as concerns humans may have about animal rights and ethics. Animal welfare is especially taken into consideration where there are accusations of animal abuse, neglect or cruelty. While some of these issues have a legal aspect and must be handled by the proper authorities, there are still a variety of animal welfare activities you can take part in as a member of your community, most of which are geared toward maintaining animal heath and well-being.

  1. Pet Dip

    • A community pet dip is a popular animal welfare activity to get rid of fleas and ticks on neighborhood cats and dogs. Sometimes this is sponsored by the local animal shelter or humane society, and sometimes it is sponsored by a local veterinarian's office. These types of organizations will usually ask for volunteers to help with the event. There are a variety of medicated dips on the market today. They will contain instructions regarding how much of the product to mix in specific amounts of water for cats and dogs, and amounts will also vary depending on the animals weight and size. You can check with your local animal shelter or veterinarian to find out when the next community pet dip will be held.

    Spay and Neuter Clinics

    • Spay and neuter clinics are usually sponsored by your local human society or animal shelter in accordance with a local veterinarian. This type of animal welfare activity offers spay and neuter services at reduced rates during the clinic, which is usually scheduled for specific dates and times. You can find out about spay and neuter clinics being held in your area by contacting your local animal shelter or veterinarian office.

    Pet Food Drive

    • A pet food drive is another animal welfare activity that can be hosted by just about any organization or club. Local schools will often hold pet food drives. During a pet food drive, drop-off locations are established around the community and people can donate canned pet food and bags of dry pet food which will then be donated to the local animal shelter, humane society or any pet food banks in your area.

    Exercise

    • Offering to help provide exercise to pets and animals whose owners may be sick, out of town or unable to perform this task is another way to participate in an animal welfare activity. All animals require exercise to stay healthy. Organizations such as local 4-H clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Future Farmers of America clubs can assist with this type of activity. The activity can include everything from walking dogs to riding horses. To set up this type of assistance for pet owners, farmers or ranchers you can put up fliers at local veterinarian offices and also at local farm supply stores or pet shops.