How To Help Animal Rights Charities

Animal welfare is one of the most important issues facing our planet. There are so many species who are under threat around the world, as well as animals who aren't looked after properly or treated badly in the UK.  

Thankfully, there are lots of wonderful animal charities out there that constantly campaign for change, taking action to improve the lives of animals who are unable to help themselves. There are also lots of people who hold animal welfare close to their hearts, and give their time volunteering.  

You can make a real difference when you volunteer too. As well as seeing how your time benefits the animals you care dearly about, you might find yourself playing a role in the protection of an endangered species. You may also find you thoroughly enjoy your volunteering experience, and pick up some new skills too.  

HOW TO HELP AN ANIMAL RIGHTS CHARITY

Join An Action Team 

Some of the UK's biggest animal rights charities have action teams which they rely on to help promote and attend events and demonstrations, as well as promoting urgent issues, campaigning in the street and contacting politicians when necessary. If you join, you can decide how much time you can dedicate as and when you're called upon.  

Support A Specific Campaign 

Like the WWF-UK Team Panda campaign, there are so many different causes aimed at protecting the rights of specific animals. Whether you dedicate time volunteering, fundraising, posting on social media or raising awareness at events, you can play a part in the success of campaigns like these.  

Volunteer At An Animal Rescue Centre

Whether they've been abandoned by their owner or become lost somehow, rescue centres take care of tens of thousands of animals each year in desperate need of help. Charities such as Battersea are instrumental in looking after dogs and cats that come to them, while trying to find their owner or rehome them with a loving family. Whether you're taking dogs for walks, helping to keep cages clean or talking to people interested in taking on a new pet, you can help the efforts of rescue centres.  

Adopt An Animal  

With so many animals looking for a new home at any given time, you could adopt a new family member from a charity such as Cats Protection or Dogs Trust. If you're unable to commit to a long-term adoption, you could see if a charity is looking for someone to foster animals on a short-term basis. This is needed for a number of reasons, including while the animal recovers from an operation or illness.  

Volunteer At An Animal Hospital  

Some animals, through no fault of their own, don't have access to proper medical care when they need it. An animal shouldn't be denied the care they need because their owner can't afford it. For this reason, charities like PDSA are vital. You can volunteer at one of their animal hospitals if you want to look after sick and injured pets, comfort owners, or help out with admin and reception duties.  

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Adopting an animal is a big responsibility and not a decision you should take lightly. It's not fair for an animal to think they've found a new home before sending them back if you change your mind.  

WHERE TO GET STARTED

Find out if there's any volunteering roles with some amazing animal charities People's Postcode Lottery players have supported, including:

• Battersea 
• Cats Protection 
• Dogs Trust 
• PDSA 
• WWF-UK 

HELPING DESERVING CAUSES

If you'd like to know more about getting involved in volunteering in your community, take a look at our Local Causes page and find opportunities near you.

Our players also help a wide range of deserving Charities. They've raised hundreds of millions of pounds for good causes to date. If you'd like to join us in supporting deserving projects, sign up today.