Animal shelters that operate in various communities provide a very beneficial and much needed service. This service not only enhances the quality of life in the communities in which they serve, but those animals that are cared for by the shelter.
Often, these animal shelters are not for profit organizations and as such depend upon the support of the community they operate within. There are many ways that concerned animal lovers can support animal shelters. One important contribution to the support of the shelter and the care of the animals is by donating supplies. One specific category of supplies is veterinary medical supplies.
Also, before supporting any not for profit organization, it is important to be familiar with their services and their needs. Therefore, it is key to know what an animal shelter provides, the veterinary medical supplies that are needed and how to provide those veterinary medical supplies to the shelter.
What An Animal Shelter Provides
An animal shelter basically provides a haven for animals. These animals found in an animal shelter can represent stray, abandoned or lost pets. In addition, some animal shelters have a policy that owners who no longer wish to care for or who cannot care for their pet may bring that particular animal to the shelter.
Often a quality animal shelter will endeavor to find the owner of a lost or stray pet. This can be done by utilizing information on attached identification tags. Most shelters also have a holding a policy for animals that are sheltered in the facility. Generally, the operating procedures allow for the shelter to hold the lost pet for a certain period of time. Upon completion of that time frame, and if the owner does not claim the lost pet, the pet is then available for adoption into another family.
Often an animal is sheltered for a significant period of time. The only exceptions to this policy may be due to a lack of space or if the animal becomes sick or unmanageable. Euthanasia is only considered as a last resort.
Types Of Medical Supplies
When considering supporting animal shelters there are various ways that this can be accomplished. This support can be through monetary donations, volunteering or the providing of supplies. Some of those supplies that are often needed by an animal shelter include blankets, pet food and veterinary medical supplies.
When wishing to donate veterinary medical supplies it is important to contact the shelter to see what items are needed. This plan of action will ensure that your donation is needed and will be put to good use. Often needed veterinary medical supplies include mineral oil, peroxide, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol and digital thermometers.
Suggested Methods Of Donating Veterinary Medical Supplies
There are many ways that an individual can secure veterinary medical supplies. One way is to donate money to the animal shelter and specify that your donation be used to purchase veterinary medical supplies.
Another way to secure needed supplies is to conduct a veterinary medical supply drive within your community. Not only can you approach the veterinarians, but you can also approach veterinarian associations as well as individual community members.