Our goal is to encourage people to adopt shelter pets instead of buying dogs. We also want to raise awareness about the needs shelters have as they care for future pets. Shelter Helpers are all about lending a helping paw for those felines and pooches that need human care. We are all about seeing things from a different perspective…in this case a pet’s point of view.

Shocking Statistics

100,000 felines that go to shelters are reunited with their owners.
There are about 5,000 animal shelters in the U.S.
Common shelter dogs are Pit Bulls and German Shepherds
About half a million dogs are returned to their owners each year in the U.S.
About 3.4 million cats go to shelters each year in the U.S.
Only 35% of dogs get adopted in shelters
A breeding facility was cited for 74 violations in ten months
7.6 million animals enter shelters each year

Animals in Need

Some people take animals for granted. Some people think their pets could live on their own. They would be wrong. Every year millions of pets wander the streets without a home or proper care. Most people don’t know it, but 7.6 million animals enter shelters each year and half of them are put down. Getting a pet is one way of benefiting your life and your pet’s.

These fluffy companions aren’t just for cuddles, they can help calm you down. Adopting a pet is good for your mental health, because who doesn’t want a furry friend to keep you company when you are feeling down? Pets can also keep you exercising and active for the day ahead. They are also some people's motive to get up in the morning and power through the day. Pets are great for the family, and most are great with kids. Even some birds are awesome companions because they can actually talk to you!

YOU can raise awareness by telling people what animals are going through. Imagine if you were a dog, left out on the side of the road without a home, how would you feel? Helping an animal is helping you. Another way to lend a helping paw, wing, or claw is to support your local community shelters. Every pet deserves a chance in life. No matter the size or past, pets will find their long lasting home. Our motive is “Don’t breed or buy when shelter pets die" and it can be yours too.

Mentors

Mr. Verlander

Mr. Verlander works for Goochland Pet Lovers, a wonderful association that helps pets in need. He is one of our amazing partners that is supporting us with our business. Mr. Verlander has given us new research and have helped us with our website. All of the information that he has given has been very helpful in our editing process. We appreciate that he has taken his time to come and interview with us.

Ms. Weymouth

Ms. Weymouth works with Mr. Verlander at the Goochland Pet Lovers. Ms. Weymouth is one of our great partners. They both took time out of their busy schedule to come to RES to interview with us. She gave us many interesting facts and advice to add to our business. We appreciate her time and effort to come to our interview and give valuable information.

The Problem

Many animals around the world are suffering from being abused or neglected. Lots of shelters are overcrowded and they put down animals to make more space in the shelter. Many pets can benefit your life. Please try to help a shelter pet.

Action Plan

Our action plan is to go out and raise money for our partner (Goochland Pet Lovers), to show people ways that they can help, and support other businesses who have the same feelings about improving these animals’ lives.

Fundraiser

$20 per shirt. All proceeds go to Youth United!

Email us at youthunitedglnd@gmail.com to get your t-shirt.

Meet the Team

We are the Shelter Helpers! Our group is focusing on helping shelter pets. These furry friends are all around us, their adorable little faces just waiting to be adopted. About 1.4 million dogs are adopted each year. Unfortunately, that is not the case for all pets. Some are not adopted, and are euthanized. Our team is trying to help these cute little sweeties by giving our support, and reaching out to others to give more such as YOU!

REFERENCES

Alkire, J. (n.d.) Wild Animal Rehabilitation. ABDO Publishing.

EPIC - https://www.getepic.com/app/read/70725

Marisco, K. (n.d.) How do they help? The Humane Society. Cherry Lake Publishing.

EPIC - https://www.getepic.com/app/read/45912

Meish, G. (n.d.) Disabled Dogs. Bearport Publishing.

EPIC - https://www.getepic.com/app/read/50937

Meish, G. 2014. Shelter Dogs. Bearport Publishing.

EPIC - https://www.getepic.com/app/read/50944

Summers, A. (n.d.) Rescue And Shelter Cats. Rourke Educational Media.

EPIC - https://www.getepic.com/app/read/12343

Summers, A. (n.d.) Rescue And Shelter Dogs. Rourke Educational Media.