How You Can Help Save Shelter Animals and Wildlife This Holiday Season
GivingTuesday is just around the corner, and it’s a perfect opportunity to support causes that are close to our hearts: making a difference for animals in need. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation or want to help homeless cats and dogs, this global day of giving offers a chance to contribute meaningfully. Here’s how a few simple actions can empower you to make a lasting impact this GivingTuesday.
What Is GivingTuesday?
GivingTuesday is a global movement encouraging charitable giving and acts of kindness. Following the consumer-focused days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it centers on giving back and supporting causes that make the holiday season more meaningful. Established in 2012, it has grown into a worldwide event that mobilizes people to create positive change in their communities on GivingTuesday and beyond.
When Is GivingTuesday?
This year, GivingTuesday falls on Dec. 3. It arrives right after the Thanksgiving holiday, making it a perfect time to transition from gratitude to action. Mark your calendar and get ready to make a difference!
How You Can Help Save Animals This GivingTuesday
There are many ways to help cats, dogs, and wildlife this GivingTuesday, whether through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy. Here are a few simple ways to make a big impact:
• Donate to animal charities. Many organizations run special GivingTuesday campaigns. Your donations help fund critical services, from shelter care to wildlife rehabilitation and release.
• Volunteer your time. Shelters and wildlife centers often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Tasks can include cleaning, feeding, or fostering cats and dogs in need.
• Advocate and spread awareness. Use social media to raise awareness for animals. Share posts, start a fundraiser, and encourage others to get involved on GivingTuesday.
How You Can Save Both Wildlife and Shelter Animals in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to a rich diversity of land and marine wildlife, many of which face growing threats from human activities. Supporting organizations dedicated to rehabilitating and returning these species to their natural habitats is crucial to their survival.
All wildlife deserves the opportunity to thrive as integral members of healthy ecosystems. However, many species are now classified as protected, threatened, or endangered at state or federal levels. Organizations like PAWS play an essential role in the rehabilitation and release of protected species and native species of concern, such as:
• Bald eagles
• Northwestern pond turtles
• Marbled murrelets
You can support both wildlife and shelter animals in one step by donating to organizations that care for both. PAWS provides safe shelter and adoption for homeless cats and dogs, wildlife rehabilitation and release, and operates a low-cost spay and neuter clinic—enabling you to make a broad impact with a single donation.
Ways to Give
To make the most impact in one fell swoop with PAWS this GivingTuesday, consider these ways to give:
• One-time donations. Direct financial contributions are a straightforward way to help.
• Monthly giving. Recurring donations can have a bigger and more sustained impact, helping animal welfare organizations plan and operate year-round.
• Planned giving. Lasting legacies with planned giving options, such as bequests or charitable trusts, can provide ongoing support.
• Employee giving and employer matching. Many employers offer donation matching, which can double or triple the impact of your gift. Check if your employer has a matching gift program.
• Vehicle donations. When you donate your vehicle, you avoid repair costs and the hassle of selling, while the proceeds help provide expert care for animals in need. PAWS accepts a wide range of vehicles nationwide—cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and boats, running or not.
• Cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency donations can also be accepted by PAWS. This modern method of giving can offer tax benefits and support the organization in innovative ways.
• Financial assets. Financial assets, such as stocks or bonds, are another way to donate. These contributions can provide significant support to PAWS and may offer tax advantages.
Your contribution this GivingTuesday can make a world of difference for animals in need. When you’re helping wildlife or supporting cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes, every act of kindness counts. Let’s unite to create a brighter future for all animals this GivingTuesday!
Save Wildlife and Shelter Animals in One Step with PAWS This GivingTuesday
PAWS is people helping cats, dogs, and wildlife go home and thrive — whether home is the family room or the forest. We achieve this by rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting out homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action.
Need help with a wild animal? PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center operates an emergency hospital and specialized recovery facilities designed to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, helping them recover and return to the wild. Our wildlife rehabilitation center has moved to 13508 State Route 9 SE in Snohomish, Washington. If you need assistance with a wild animal, use our online self-service form or call 425-412-4040.
Our on-site rehabilitation and veterinary teams provide expert care for more than 170 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles each year. PAWS is only one of a few facilities in Washington state permitted to rehabilitate American black bears and marine mammals, primarily harbor seals. Since 1967, PAWS has united over 150,000 cats and dogs with loving families, cared for more than 160,000 wild animals, and made the world a better place through education, and advocacy.
However, we can’t do it without you. Please consider making a donation or volunteering with us today!