The Scarborough Mirror

The campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services.

Some of the work local shelters do include such vital services as matching homeless animals with new homes; rescuing abused, neglected, injured and abandoned animals; offering education about responsible pet guardianship and other topics; helping reunite lost pets with their human families; and providing emergency care to injured or orphaned wildlife.

During this year's celebration, Nov. 4 to 10, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is encouraging the public to take action and thank and support shelter and investigations staff for their dedication.

Here are some ways you can get involved with your local shelter and share your appreciation.

- Take a tour of your local shelter to meet the staff and animals and to learn more about the important services the shelter provides.

- Your local shelter and animal control officers depend on the community's help to reach animals in need. Learn as much as you can about helping animals and know which telephone numbers to call should an animal emergency occur.

- Whether you decide to bring home a new pet permanently or foster an animal until it finds a forever family, you'll be giving a pet a safe and caring home while making room for another homeless pet in your community's animal shelter.

- Drop a note in the mail or send an e-mail to your local shelter and let them know how much you appreciate all they do for animals. If you can, sweeten your thanks by making a donation or sending a gift card from a pet supply store.

- Whether you end up walking dogs, cuddling cats, helping at special events or lending your expertise as a newsletter editor, your shelter can match your schedule and talents to their needs. Not only will you be helping animals in your community, but you will be building knowledge and skills. Call your local shelter and find out how to start volunteering.

- Spaying or neutering your pet or offering to help fund a spay/neuter surgery for a friend, family member or neighbour's pet will save animals' lives by helping to lower the number of unwanted animals in your community and reduce the strain on your local shelter's resources.

- Consider donating food, toys, kitty litter, a dog bed or even laundry soap and paper towels. All supplies are greatly appreciated; call your local shelter to see what items they need the most!

- ID your pet: It's the No. 1 way that lost pets are returned to their owners. Without ID, a Good Samaritan or animal shelter will likely have no idea how to contact you. Even if your pet is microchipped or your cat never goes outdoors, always err on the safe side and put a collar or tag on your pet - your pet's life could depend on it.