The saying goes, “Adopt Don’t Shop!” The Humane Society of the Desert in North Palm Springs has amazing dogs and cats ready for adoption and waiting to be your new best friend. Their volunteer opportunities are a wonderful way to get “Out of the House.”
The Humane Society of the Desert
Did you know the Humane Society of the Desert is one of the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries in Southern California? It’s true. Founded in 1961 as the Orphan Pet Oasis, their mission is to rescue and heal neglected, abandoned and abused dogs and cats. As the needs of these animals grow, so does the Humane Society. To date, they have completely renovated their facility, added new kennels with misting systems, updated landscaping and put in walking paths, built a puppy park and four large dog play areas and now have a vet mobile. Their vision is to focus on reducing the homeless population of dogs and cats through community awareness programs and partnerships across the country.
https://orphanpet.com/
Click the link above to visit the Humane Society of the Desert’s website.
What to Consider Before Adopting a New Pet
Adopting a new dog or cat is very worthwhile, but a big decision. It can be over a 15 year commitment, pets need your love and time and cost money. Some questions you should ask yourself before adoption include:
- Why do you want to adopt a pet?
- Do you have the time for a pet?
- Can you afford a pet?
- Do you have the space for a pet?
- Who will watch your pet if you need to be away?
- Are you willing to keep the pet for their entire life?
Check Out These Awesome Dogs Looking for their Furever Homes:
Other Ways to Help
So you are not ready to make a 15 year commitment at this time, but still want to help. Volunteering and fostering are two ways to make a difference.
Fostering
Fostering is when you take a homeless dog or cat into your home and care for them until a permanent family can be found. It is rewarding for many reasons. You can save a life and help make the pet more adoptable by offering them socialization and training. Many animals are stressed living in the shelter. By taking them out of that environment and offering them a temporary home, their true personalities can emerge. While saying good-bye can sometimes be tough, the pride you will feel knowing that you helped your foster pet become adopted is well worth it.
Is fostering right for you?
https://orphanpet.com/is-fostering-right-for-me/#
Volunteering
Volunteers are needed to walk and socialize the dogs and provide human companionship to both cats and dogs. In the warmer months, dogs must be walked in the mornings before the temperature soars. Afternoons are spent rotating the dogs from the kennels to play areas where they can cool off in swimming pools and get some exercise. Cats enjoy human interaction too. Other volunteer opportunities include office duties, participating in special events and fundraisers and greeting new potential parents. I have recently started volunteering and can attest the experience is beyond special.
https://orphanpet.com/volunteer-application/
Click above to access the volunteer application.
What to Know to Not Stress Before You Go:
The sanctuary is open Wednesday through Sunday by appointment only. You may reach them at 760.329.0203.
Their address is 17825 N. Indian Canyon Avenue, North Palm Springs, CA 92258.
Keep in mind that the kennel is a stressful environment for many animals. Give the dog or cat some time to adjust to you before making a snap decision.
Applications for fostering or volunteering are available on the website above. Think about volunteering at less popular times like summer afternoons if you can tolerate the heat.