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Helping animals
Students, and the faculty and staff members who advise them, need to remember that pets are not permitted in campus housing—in neither residence halls nor apartments—as described in the university’s guides and handbooks. It’s inadvisable for students renting apartments to embrace pet ownership, even if landlord-permitted. SPCA International concurs with the wisdom of waiting to adopt a pet, noting the constraints of time, money, mobility and stability. But there are many other ways in which everyone can enjoy the company of animals and greatly contribute to their welfare.
Western New York is home to many animal rescue groups, dedicated to the well being of wild, as well as domestic animals. Many of these groups are not-for-profit and most rely on the assistance of volunteers. For example, there are SPCA locations in both Erie and Niagara counties and a City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.
The time commitments of regular volunteering may not be feasible—and it’s vital to be pragmatic and not make commitments that can’t realistically be kept—but fundraising and donations are equally important. All the organizations maintain active Web sites, with suggestions for creative ways to help in Erie, Niagara and downtown. Organizing a drive for blankets and other needed items, participating in a walk-a-thon or shopping at a shelter store are all ways to provide a helping hand to many pets.
Sponsorship is another great alternative to bringing a pet home. Rescue organizations and other animal welfare groups often offer the opportunity to donate funds toward the care of specific animals; the individual Web sites will have more information. The Petfinder Foundation has a Sponsor-a-Pet Program, while the Buffalo Zoo has an Adopt-An-Animal Program.
There are numerous special rescue groups in the Western New York region devoted to dogs and cats of different breeds, ferrets, rabbits and birds. Petfinder maintains a database of shelters and groups that can be searched by location, as well as suggestions for “How You Can Help Pets.”
And in this online age, even virtual adoption is an option! Numerous application developers have teamed up with animal welfare groups, with play providing donations, as well as the fun of simulated pet care. Facebook applications include Save a Dog, Save Shelter Dogs & Puppies, Save Shelter Cats & Kittens and Facebook Causes. Other virtual games that support pet rescue include FooPets and PetPals.
Any action, no matter how seemingly small, can make a positive contribution to animal welfare.
—Nancy Babb, University Libraries
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