By Laura Jensen
CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC)
For many of us, pets are more than animals, they are family. Unfortunately, not every animal has a safe home or the care they need. Shelters and animal welfare organizations work every day to help, but they rely heavily on donations and community support.
If you’re looking for a way to help animals in need, several organizations throughout Northern Colorado and the Front Range can put your donation to good use.
NOCO Humane
For those who want to keep their support close to home, NOCO Humane, formerly Larimer Humane Society, is a great place to start. Serving Larimer and Weld counties, with an adoption center in Greeley, NOCO Humane cares for thousands of animals each year.
Financial donations help offset the many expenses involved in caring for shelter animals, including food, veterinary care, medications, housing, toys, and other daily necessities. Those who prefer donating supplies or food can also purchase needed items through their online wish lists.
Donate to NOCO Humane: https://www.nocohumane.org/ways-to-give/
Animal Friends Alliance
Fort Collins-based Animal Friends Alliance helps dogs and cats find loving homes while also providing foster care for pets in need. The organization also assists families facing financial hardship with veterinary care and pet food, helping keep pets with the families who love them.
Animal Friends Alliance offers adoption programs, spay and neuter services, community cat programs, pet food assistance, and other resources for local pet owners. Donations provide food, medical care, shelter, and support for animals in need. They also accept pet food and supply donations through online wish lists.
Donate to Animal Friends Alliance: https://www.savinganimalstoday.org/donate
Humane Colorado
Formerly Denver Dumb Friends League, Humane Colorado is another long-standing organization serving animals throughout Colorado. They accept pet surrenders, end of life care, and provide shelter and adoption services while also helping families keep their pets during difficult financial times.
Donations support routine and emergency veterinary care, as well as pet food and supplies to help families care for their pets during difficult times. Humane Colorado also offers spay and neuter programs to help reduce pet overpopulation, along with vaccination services for local low-income families seeking to keep their pets healthy.
Donate to Humane Colorado: https://humanecolorado.org/donation-center/
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
For those who want to support animal welfare nationally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), founded in 1866, works across the country to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The organization helps rehabilitate abused and neglected animals, supports foster programs, and assists pets and families affected by natural disasters.
Donations can be made as one-time or monthly gifts, memorial or honor gifts, workplace donations, or you can give food and supplies through online wish lists.
Donate to ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give
Every Donation Makes a Difference
Helping animals does not require a large donation. Five or ten dollars, a bag of food, or an item from a wish list can all help provide care for an animal waiting for a second chance.
If donating money or supplies isn’t possible, volunteering, fostering, helping at adoption events, or simply sharing information about animals looking for homes are all meaningful ways to help.
Whether you choose to support a local organization or a national effort, every act of generosity helps provide animals with the compassion, care, protection, and second chance they deserve.
Disclaimer: This article was written by a Certified Veterinary Technician for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It may reference over-the-counter medications for informational purposes only and does not provide or recommend dosages; Always contact your veterinarian if your pet is injured or ill, and seek emergency veterinary care when needed.
Photo Credit: https://share.google/Qz1Nszb625oOhdvaj
