Thanks to all who have reached out asking how you can help animals at the Oregon Humane Society. While this is an uncertain time, the need to rescue homeless, neglected and abused pets continues — and they are counting on you more than ever.
Here are the best ways you can help shelter pets in need right now.
Give Back
Congress has expanded the tax benefits for 2020 charitable donations for people who take itemized and standard deductions. This also includes tax benefits for corporate gifts.
Make a one-time donation
Your financial gifts provide the flexibility to give animals what they need, when they need it. As a nonprofit, Oregon Humane Society is often able to secure supplies at a significant discount, which means your donations go three times further. (This means that when you donate, one bag of dog food becomes three!)
Become a monthly donor
Help pets all year long when you become a PAWS monthly donor. Monthly donors provide a much-needed and dependable stream of revenue to save animals’ lives.
Donate your tax rebate
On your Oregon tax forms, you can designate all or part of your refund to help shelter pets at Oregon Humane Society.
Get Involved
Join a virtual Doggie Dash team and fundraise
Following guidelines from public health officials regarding containment of COVID-19, Doggie Dash — originally scheduled for May 9, 2020 — has been postponed. While we may not be able to celebrate together now, you can still save lives (and earn prizes) through your fundraising efforts. Register for free, join or create a team, and start fundraising together.
Become a Shelter Pet Pal
Get mail from shelter pets! Human pet pals will receive a personalized letter (or email) from a shelter pet pal, a paw-tographed photo and an optional mystery gift of the pet’s choosing.
Sign up for virtual training classes
Use this time at home to bond with your pets! The OHS training and behavior team has gone virtual with one-on-one training, puppy romps, webinars and classes.
Attend virtual events
Even though we can’t be together, there are still contact-free ways you can connect with fellow animal lovers. Be sure to join us for Cheers from OHS, a weekly virtual happy hour with stories and tips from OHS experts.
Make masks
Like others, OHS is struggling to get the medical masks needed for veterinarians to perform surgeries on pets. Disposable masks are on long back-orders, both because of high demand and problems with the supply chain. To make up for this, we’re accepting donations of fabric masks. While these can’t be disposed of, they can be washed and sterilized at the end of each day. You only need cotton, thread and elastic — no sewing machine necessary! It’s a great beginner sewing project for kids stuck at home, too. Contact us to donate your masks to OHS and receive volunteer hours.
Include OHS as a beneficiary of an account
Use this time to refresh and update your estate plan and double check the names of beneficiaries on your financial accounts. Help ensure the care of future generations of pets with a gift from your estate.
Adopt
Set up an appointment to adopt a shelter pet
During this time, adoptions are available by appointment only. Please visit our adoptions page and submit a questionnaire when you find a pet you are interested in. Our staff will contact you within 24-72 hours to go through your questionnaire and set up an appointment.
Be Prepared
Create an emergency plan for your pets
Animal welfare experts expect that shelters will see a surge in the number of incoming pets as the spread of COVID-19 affects the health and safety of pet owners. You can help prevent this by being prepared in case you get sick. Every pet owner should create or update their emergency plan and kit.
Most of us expect to outlive our beloved animals. But, what if — faced with the unexpected — you are no longer able to care for them? You can make provisions for your surviving pets through your will or other estate documents. Ensure the welfare of your pet with the unique Friends Forever Program.
For the latest updates on our COVID-19 response, visit oregonhumane.org/coronavirus.
