20 Acts of Animal Kindness for the Holiday & Everyday

For many, the holiday season is a time to give back to family, friends and community. As you embrace the festive spirit and take the time to volunteer and help those in need, it's important that you don't forget to give back to the pets in your life, as well. In fact, this is a great time to get your kids involved indifferent types of service projects geared toward animals.

Here are 20 acts of animal kindness that you can partake in with your family:

1.  Volunteer to take your elderly neighbor's dog for a walk every once in a while. He probably doesn't get to go out as much as he would like to!
2. Clip coupons for pet food and share them with owners who may be struggling a bit financially. This is a great way to make sure that no pet goes hungry this holiday season.
3. Donate pet toys, food, blankets or beds to a local animal shelter.
4. Research pet food companies to see if you can buy products from a line that puts a portion of its proceeds toward purchasing supplies or medical care for animals in need.
5. Foster a dog or cat until he or she can be placed with a forever family.
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6. Volunteer to help at a local shelter adoption event.
7. Offer to watch over your neighbor's pets when she goes on vacation. They'll be happy to see a familiar face!
8. Get your furry friend microchipped. That way, you can find him if he somehow manages to slip out your back door during the busy holiday season.
9. Volunteer at an animal shelter. These facilities are always looking for people to help socialize, groom, and feed the animals.
10. Remind neighbors that cats sometimes seek warmth under cars or on tires. By raising your neighbors' awareness, you might save a cat's life.
    
    
11. Donate to an accredited zoo or aquarium.
12. See if there are any walks or fundraisers in your area that support local shelters/ animal groups. If no such event is scheduled, consider organizing one yourself!
13. Spay or neuter your pet. It can improve the long-term health of your cat or dog and help control the stray population in your area.
14. Donate to an animal charity, such as your local humane society or animal shelter, or National programs for military, police, or service dogs.  
15. Write to your local political representative and share your thoughts on any animal rights bills that are going up for a vote.
    
    
16. Virtually adopt an animal through a donation to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
17. Volunteer with wildlife rehabilitation facilities in your area.
18. Partner with a local veterinarian to create a fund that will cover medical expenses for owners who are struggling financially.
19. Organize a pet food drive for your local shelter or humane society.
20. Get involved (or initiate!) with humane education programs and projects in your schools.

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