If you’re anything like us, you probably adore animals and want to do everything you can to help them live their best lives. Whether our own pets, or other animals in need, there’s something about those furry (and sometimes not-so-furry) friends that tug at our hearts. That’s where animal charities come in- whether it’s rehoming stray dogs, rescuing injured wildlife, or supporting pet owners during tough times, these organisations are doing life-changing work for both our animals and pet owners.
But with so many animal charities out there, it can be tricky to keep track of who’s doing what. That’s why we’ve put together a quick look at three fantastic animal charities that are making a difference. Keep on reading to discover how they’re changing the lives of animals- and maybe even discover a way you can get involved too.
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Orangutan Veterinary Aid (OVAID)
Veterinary surgeon Nigel Hicks and his wife Sara Fell Hicks have been working with orangutan in Borneo since 2009. Spending several months each year, volunteering and working within the orangutan veterinary rescue teams they immediately recognised a need for the provision of veterinary equipment, medicines and practical mentoring to the orangutan groups and rehabilitation centres veterinary teams in Indonesia and Malaysia. Initially through friends they raised funds to enable them to buy equipment which they personally took out to Indonesia. But it soon became obvious that a more formal structure was needed. In early 2014, they established the registered charity Orangutan Veterinary Aid (OVAID).
The charity supports vets working at the front line of orangutan rescue whether this is from illegal pet homes, human orangutan conflict or the illegal wildlife trade. These vets and their teams are often working in difficult, demanding and dangerous conditions with minimal equipment. Since 2014 the charity has provided more than £425,000 in donations of equipment, medicines and training opportunities to the veterinary teams of orangutan rescue centres in Borneo and Sumatra.
The charity also considers it vital to spread awareness of the negative effects of deforestation for the orangutan, countless other wildlife species and human populations.
Thin Blue Paw Foundation
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a charity that supports and protects working and retired police dogs across the UK. They carry out a wide variety of work but their main focus is ensuring retired police dogs have access to the best veterinary care when they need it most.
Police dogs receive no ongoing support from the police or Government when they retire and – usually uninsurable due to the strenuous working lives they’ve had – their veterinary care can become costly and fall solely to their new owners. That’s where Thin Blue Paw Foundation come in! They provide financial assistance to ensure these canine heroes get the very best in veterinary care so they can enjoy long, happy retirements.
Give A Dog A Bone
Give a Dog a Bone… and an animal a home is a unique charity tackling loneliness and social isolation for older adults, aged 60 or over, through animal companionship. They do this via two projects:
- Support older adults, on low income, to afford a rescue pet. They can contribute towards the initial rehoming fee of a rescue pet and can offer a monthly support contribution to help cover the ongoing costs of pet insurance or food.
- They have three community spaces in Scotland – one in Shawlands, one in Troon, and one in Alloa. At their community spaces they offer a tea and chat service, open to all, so anyone can visit for a free hot drink, a biscuit, a chat with their team, and to spend time with their companionship dogs. They also host a variety of free activities for over 60s, such as chair yoga, language lessons, and art club.
In addition, everyone is welcome to join their regular group dog walks in Shawlands and Troon. You don’t need to be over 60 or have a dog to come along! Each community space has a Pet Food Bank, accessible to everyone.
What you can do
At the end of the day, these animal charities are all about one thing; making the world a better place for animals. Whether they’re offering vital veterinary care, helping wildlife thrive or supporting pet owners, their work makes a difference. And the best part? You don’t have to be a vet or animal expert to help out. Just simply through giving donations, volunteering or just helping spread the word, you can help make a difference too. So next time you’re looking to give back, why not lend a helping hand to one of these charities. Your support could mean the world to an animal in need.
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