As we enter the holiday season, animal lovers have two special occasions to mark on their calendars: Giving Tuesday and Celebrate Shelter Pets Day. These events, taking place this week, provide a perfect opportunity to support local animal shelters and the countless pets awaiting their forever homes. Let’s celebrate both events by supporting St. Louis Animal Shelters – a cause that is central to our business values and mission.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, is celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This event inspires people to give back to their communities and support causes close to their hearts. For animal lovers in St. Louis, it’s an ideal time to contribute to local shelters that work tirelessly to care for homeless pets.
Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
Celebrate Shelter Pets Day, commemorated on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving, highlights the joy and love that shelter pets bring to their adoptive families. This day encourages people to consider adoption and showcases the incredible bonds formed between humans and their rescued companions.
Ways to Support St. Louis Area Animal Shelters
Because not everyone is in the same position to help, I have come up with the following list of ways to support animal shelters in St. Louis this week. A little effort goes a long way and, together, we can make a real change for these animals in need.
- Adopt a pet: Consider adding a furry friend to your family from a St. Louis shelter
- Foster: Provide a temporary home for animals awaiting adoption; many of our local shelters have foster programs
- Volunteer: Shelters always need help with various tasks, from walking dogs to administrative work and photography
- Donate money: Financial contributions help shelters provide shelter, food, medical care, and more
- Donate supplies: You can also order items from many shelters’ wish lists on Chewy and Amazon. Then, either drop much-needed supplies to their locations during office hours or have them shipped to them
- Spread awareness: Share adoption stories and shelter information on social media – I love to see the before and after photos of pets that were adopted from shelters and now enjoy a safe, stable home environment. You can really see the difference love and TLC make for these pets in these types of photos.
St. Louis Area Animal Shelters
St. Louis Area Animal SheltersCenter for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis (CARE STL)
Location: 2700 Walnut Pl, St. Louis, MO 63103
CARE STL is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for unwanted pets in St. Louis. They manage the animal shelter for St. Louis City Animal Care and Control, providing a safe haven for homeless animals.
Gateway Pet Guardians
Location: 725 N 15th St, East St Louis, IL 62205
Since 2004, Gateway Pet Guardians has been leading the animal welfare industry by investing in communities. Their goal is to end the cycle of animal homelessness. They operate a 54,000 square foot Pet Resource Center that includes an affordable veterinary clinic, pet supply retail, and grooming. And, you can buy human-specific branded merch here.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Location: 2320 Pine St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Stray Rescue of St. LouisStray Rescue of St. Louis rescues stray animals in need of medical attention, restores them to health, and places them in loving adoptive homes. They rely heavily on volunteers and foster families to care for the 3,000 dogs that come through their shelter every year.
Making a Difference for St. Louis Pets
The above-listed shelters, along with local rescues listed here, work tirelessly to provide care, love, and new beginnings for animals. By supporting them, we can make a significant difference in the lives of shelter pets and contribute to creating a more compassionate community for both people and animals. Learn more about our one-for-one business model – we are donating over 25,500 meals in 2024 to local animal rescue groups. We have donated 114,263 meals since we started this initiative!
As we participate in Giving Tuesday and Celebrate Shelter Pets Day this week, let’s remember the impact we can have. Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, every action creates a brighter future for shelter pets across the St. Louis area. Together, we can make St. Louis a more caring community for all its residents – both two-legged and four-legged!
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services are tailored to meet your and your pets’ needs. Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register. Existing clients, please request services here.
We look forward to welcoming your pets into the 4-Legged Kids Inc. family and, together, supporting St. Louis pet rescue!
Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.
