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COVID-19: Ways to help animals and people while at home

You can still show your love for animals while staying safe at home! 

3/24/2020

1. Become an online activist

With so much information available online today, you can learn more about issues you care about. You can also share that concern and knowledge with others to create lasting change!

 This may include contacting your state and federal legislators about important animal protection bills, signing petitions to end the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia, or participating in online protests to persuade companies to address animal welfare concerns. The possibilities for taking action online are endless!

2. Try something new

To keep our immune systems healthy and strong, it’s important to eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. And with most of us eating at home nowadays, why not try some new plant-based dishes! 

We have many delicious vegan recipes to choose from, both savory and sweet.

Ordering in? Most restaurants have great plant-based meal options available and can provide an easy way to start a new tradition, like meatless Mondays! Either way, there are plenty of options for enjoying a tasty, animal-friendly diet.

More time at home also means more time for experiments. For example, you can try out some vegan recipes and eat a healthier and more balanced diet.

3. Treat your pets

Having people home all the time is also an unusual situation for our companion animals. Make the most of it for both of you by enjoying daily walks with your dog or extra cuddle sessions with your cat. At the same time, pets need to be prepared for when their humans resume their normal activities, so providing plenty of toys and enrichment to help them entertain themselves is key. Considering adopting or fostering a new pet? Animals bring endless joy and comfort to our lives. They also deserve a loving and lifelong commitment, so be sure that you can provide them with everything they need in the future, even if you have enough time for them in the present.

4. Keep in touch with your friends and family

With today’s amazing technology, it’s never been easier to stay in touch with family and friends from the comfort of your home. Thanks to Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Skype, it’s easy to communicate almost like you’re together “in person” and create some new memories with relatives and friends. And if your pets want to join in on the fun too – the more the merrier!

5. Learn something new

To help people stay active at home, both mentally and physically, many companies are offering free online classes. Be it learning a new language or trying out Zumba classes in your living room, it can feel great to acquire new knowledge and challenge yourself. Of course, it’s also nice to simply read a good book or rent and watch some of those Oscar winning movies you missed seeing in the theater.

See our #ClickandLearn section for more ideas and online games. 

6. Support everyday heroes

Around the world, many people go out on their balcony or to their window each evening to applaud those who are working hard to ensure that everything in our lives continues to run smoothly: medical and nursing staff, food retailers, fire services and many more. People are also sharing their skills by making masks for not only first responders in need, but also for the many dedicated caregivers at all of our sanctuaries who continue to care for the animals while ensuring safety for all. These are difficult times for everyone and for us, donations from supporters help ensure that all of our sanctuary animals continue to receive the top notch care they deserve.

7. Share stories of hope

It’s easy to become overwhelmed, sad, or angry by everything that’s happening in the world today. It’s also important to remember all the good that people are doing to help support their neighbors, animals, and the world around us. Sharing our heartwarming stories about the animals in our sanctuaries on Social Media (through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face – we guarantee it!

8. Look towards the future

Much can be done for animal welfare not only in our food choices, but also when buying clothes or planning vacation activities. For example, clothing can be made without animal materials and you can choose travel and leisure activities that ensure no animals were harmed for entertainment.

No matter what, you can do it!

FOUR PAWS wishes you, your relatives and not least your pets all the best in this time. Stay healthy and make the most of the situation.

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