Blog
The Power of Prevention
Did you know that spaying and neutering isn’t just about population control? These procedures significantly improve animals’ health and well-being, reducing the risk of disease and unwanted litters. CANDi’s low-cost clinics make this vital service accessible to communities worldwide. Together, we can prevent suffering before it begins.
Our Mission in Action
At CANDi International, every action is a step toward saving lives. Since our inception, we’ve partnered with communities and tourists to spay, neuter, and find homes for stray animals in need. Did you know that one unspayed cat and her offspring can produce thousands of kittens in just a few years? Together, we’re breaking this cycle. Your support transforms lives—of animals and the communities that love them.
Uncovering Valuable Ways to Support Local Animal Shelters While Traveling
Supporting local animal shelters during your travels can create lasting change in the lives of animals and the communities you explore. If you love animals or simply want to make a positive impact, there are many ways to engage with shelters on your journeys. This guide offers creative and impactful ideas to support these vital organizations wherever your adventures take you.
Research Local Shelters Before You Go
Before your trip, invest some time in researching local animal shelters at your destination. Websites like Petfinder and local community directories are excellent resources. For instance, if you’re traveling to San Diego, you might discover the San Diego Humane Society, which has multiple locations. Make a list of shelters you want to connect with, and reach out to see how you can assist them during your visit.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many shelters welcome volunteers, especially those with fresh energy and diverse perspectives. Contact the shelter beforehand to ask about their volunteer needs. You might help with dog walking, which could mean taking pups on a fun 30-minute stroll in the park, or cat socialization, where spending a little time petting and playing with cats can make a big difference. Engaging directly with animals can turn into a rewarding experience, allowing you to make a tangible impact.
Donate Supplies
Pet food (both dry and wet)
Leashes and collars
Blankets and towels
Cleaning supplies
Research shows that up to 60% of shelters operate on tight budgets, making donations crucial. Consider packing a few items in your luggage or stopping by a pet store to purchase supplies during your travels. Alternatively, monetary contributions are invaluable and can often be done through the shelter’s website, helping them buy much-needed supplies directly.
Foster a Pet
If your schedule is flexible, think about fostering an animal while you’re on the road. Some shelters have short-term fostering programs to give pets a break from their shelter environments. For example, fostering a dog for just a few days can help them adjust to home life, making them more adoptable. This arrangement benefits both you and the animal, offering companionship during your travels and giving a pet a chance to unwind from shelter life.
Attend Fundraising Events
Many animal shelters host fundraising events like charity walks, adoption fairs, or auctions. Check the shelter’s event calendar to see if any activities coincide with your trip. For example, taking part in a charity walk isn’t just a fun way to exercise; it can also raise awareness and funds. Also, it would be a perfect way to meet locals and fellow animal advocates who share your passion.
Spread the Word
Traveling gives you a unique chance to connect with new people. Share information about local animal shelters with fellow travelers, hotel staff, or locals you encounter. This simple act can raise awareness and potentially lead to increased support or adoptions for animals needing homes. Personal stories resonate with people, making your conversations impactful.
Use Your Skills
If you have skills that could benefit the shelter, don’t hesitate to offer them. For instance:
Photography: Capture adorable images of animals up for adoption. Studies show that shelters with high-quality photos get up to 80% more adoption inquiries.
Writing: Help create engaging content for the shelter’s website or social media. Effective storytelling can significantly expand their reach and help find homes for more animals.
Graphic Design: Offer to design promotional materials or flyers. Eye-catching designs can grab attention and boost fundraising efforts.
Contributing your skills can leave a lasting impact and open doors for future collaborations with shelters.
Organize a Mini Pet Supply Drive
If you travel with a group, think about organizing a mini pet supply drive. Encourage friends, family, or fellow travelers to donate items for the local shelter. Collecting donations beforehand creates community and emphasizes your commitment to animal welfare. When you drop off the items, it can feel incredibly rewarding to see the difference your efforts can make.
Learn and Share
Connecting with local animal shelters while traveling is not just about giving; it’s also a chance to learn. Each region faces different challenges in animal welfare. Understanding these issues can inspire you to take action back home. Share what you’ve learned with your network to raise awareness and encourage others to support local shelters wherever they are.
Leave a Review
If you have a positive experience at a local animal shelter, consider leaving a review on platforms like Google or Yelp. Your feedback can help boost their visibility. A positive review can lead to increased awareness and adoption inquiries, making a real difference for the shelter and the animals in their care.
Making a Difference One Trip at a Time
Travel opens up unique opportunities to enrich both your life and the lives of animals. By helping local animal shelters, you can create significant, lasting change. Whether you volunteer your time, donate supplies, or share your experiences, every effort counts.
Next time you pack your bags, consider how you can positively impact local animal shelters. Small actions can leave big paw prints on the communities you visit.
How do I help a stray cat or dog while on vacation? What do I do?
Your travel dollars have clout.
Book your travel with providers committed to the humane treatment of animals. Emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility has created opportunities for travel that support these values.
If you plan to bring a dog or cat home, check with the airline to ensure they allow pets on board or in the cargo area.
Before booking, check the websites of airlines, hotels, resorts, and tour operators for their animal welfare initiatives. If they have such programs, promote them on social media. If not, choose another provider or make them aware of your preferences.
Search for animal rescue groups at your destination to bring supplies that will help their mission. Ask for a list of needed items or check their website wish list and bring them with you if possible. Also, ask if they need a pet escorted back to your home city. Local rescue groups will handle the details, which won’t cost you anything.
Safety Tips:
Use caution when approaching stray animals, as many have not been vaccinated. Some may react negatively due to mistreatment.
If you offer food or water to a stray, remember it may be their first meal in a long time—portion the food in small amounts to avoid harm.
If a stray is approachable, consider taking it to a local vet for vaccinations and sterilizations. Alternatively, donate to local rescue groups’ programs.
If you encounter stray cats at your hotel/resort, check their policies. Inhumane methods like poisoning are sometimes used to control stray populations. Encourage humane solutions like supporting local spay/neuter programs.
Share your story with photos on the CANDi website and social media. Raising awareness shows the tourism industry that the humane treatment of animals matters to you. Some resorts, like the RUI resort in Cancun, have implemented humane solutions like the Cat Cafe.
Additional Tips:
Adopt and bring a special cat or dog home with you. Ensure they are vaccinated and healthy enough to travel. Check the rules for different destinations.
Volunteer with local animal rescue groups if your vacation permits.
Do not assume that money or food left with a caretaker will go to the animals. Do not tie an animal to a shelter fence or gate when you leave.
Share, raise awareness, and help local rescue groups. A little goes a long way.
If you see a stray and leave it, finding it again may be impossible. Many tourists return only to find the animals they wanted to help are gone.
If a stray cat or dog ruined your vacation, write to your travel providers, post on social media, and share your story on CANDi’s website. Suggest humane solutions like the Cat Cafe Program and support local rescue groups’ programs.
Give yourself a pat on the back for considering the humane treatment of animals as part of your vacation. You have the power to make a difference by raising awareness and showing the tourism industry that this matters to you.