You’re never too young to make a difference. Here are some ways that you can help:

Having a pet is a commitment for your new animal’s entire life. They are not a toy to be played with and discarded when you find a new interest. Every pet deserves to be given love, kindness and proper care. Pets bring so much joy to our lives! You can find so many different types of pets at local animal shelters - cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, birds and more. Choosing the right pet is an important decision and there is a lot to consider.

• What type of pet would be best for my family?

• How much time do I have to take care of my pet?

• Who will feed, train, groom and clean up after my pet?

• How much space will my new pet require?

• Are we allowed to have the type of pet I want in our home?

• Can we afford the long-term care for this type of pet?

• Celebrate your birthday or other special occasion with a party and ask for pet supplies to help families in need instead of gifts

• Hold a collection drive at your school or through other organizations with which you participate (Scouts, 4-H, Religious Organization, Roots & Shoots, etc.)

• Make and donate or sell crafts to benefit the families who need help to keep their pets

• Set up a lemonade stand or vegetable stand during the summer to help pets in need

• Make a coin box (instructions in the link above) to collect funds for the dogs and cats at Family Pet Advocates

• Help your parent, adult sibling or mentor distribute flyers and other information about Family Pet Advocates