You Can Help Animals

Yes, YOU...

• Lead by example. Take good care of your own pet.
• Learn everything you can about animals and animal protection issues.
• Do not shop at stores that sell puppies or kittens.
• Do not attend circuses, rodeos, marine parks, or other forms of "entertainment" that exploit animals.
• Go vegetarian! Or better yet, vegan. While a vegetarian eats no meat, a vegan also boycotts eggs, dairy, leather, wool, and other byproducts of animal suffering.
• Do not buy products that are tested on animals. Check this list of cruelty-free companies.
• Do not contribute to charities that fund animal research. For a list of cruelty-free health charities, visit www.humaneseal.org.
• Write letters to your elected officials, and encourage them to support legislation that helps animals. Find your elected officials' contact information here.
  

...In Your School

• When you are assigned a report or speech for school, focus on an animal protection issue such as the pet overpopulation crisis or the cruel way that animals used in circuses are treated. This will help educate your classmates about the suffering animals endure.
• Refuse to dissect. Talk to other students about their right to refuse to participate in inhumane education.
• Invite a representative from an animal protection organization to speak at your school.
• Start an animal rights club at your school.
• Create a bulletin board display at school with information about various animal protection issues and what kids can do to help.
• Ask natural food companies to donate vegan food and give away free samples on campus. Also, give away free samples of products that are not tested on animals.
• Organize an animal protection (or environmental awareness) day or week at your school.
• Write articles in your school newspaper about animal protection issues.
• Organize a fundraiser such as a C.D., book, or jewelry sale, and donate the proceeds to your local humane society.

...In Your Community

• Obtain posters from animal protection organizations –or make your own posters– and post them in stores, libraries, and veterinarians' offices. Remember to ask permission.
• Create a bulletin board display at your local library and community center with information about various animal protection issues and what people can do to help.
• Organize a toy drive or a pet food drive in your community. Donate what you collect to an animal shelter.
• Clean up litter in the woods (but never venture into the woods alone).
• Volunteer at an animal protection organization or shelter; many shelters and rescue groups simply need people to walk dogs and pet cats.
• Volunteer to help feed, walk, or bathe a sick or elderly person's companion animal.