posted February 15, 2022
A few years ago, I came across my baby book while packing to move into my new house. It had been sitting in my closet for years, but I had never opened it. I decided to sit down and take a look at it. It turns out, it didn’t take that long. Being the second child, my parents didn’t have time to fill it out, but there were two things that they did put in my baby book—that I loved my grandpa and that I loved animals! Both of those things were true, and still are to this day. They are so true that I dedicated my life to helping animals.
From farm animals, wild animals, and our companion animals, there are billions of animals in this world who need our help. They need our voices to help put a stop to the cruelty happening to them. So what can you do? If you’re an animal lover like me and want to help, here are 10 simple actions to make a difference for animals that can be incorporated into your everyday life.
1. Volunteer
There are many ways you can volunteer, either in person or from your own home. Many shelters and animal sanctuaries have volunteer opportunities. Take a look your local shelters and sanctuaries websites to find how you can help.
If you don’t have much time but still want to help animals, The Humane League is one of my favorite nonprofits that help make a difference for animals raised for food. Their requests are as easy as commenting on a Facebook post. You could even write a letter to the editor. Volunteer as little or as much as you’d like.
2. Organize or Attend a Protest
Do you know of a company or event that’s harming animals? Gather some fellow animal lovers and organize a peaceful protest to educate the public on what’s going on. All you need is a sign and your passion to help animals.
Having a small leaflet and/or some talking points can help you let others know why you’re protesting and why they shouldn’t support the business or event.
Whether you’re protesting a circus, horse-drawn carriages, fur store, or pet shop, the animals will appreciate you speaking up for them.
3. Sponsor a Farm Animal
Wouldn’t you love to have your own cow, pig, or other farm animal? While it may not be possible for you to adopt a farm animal yourself, you can virtually sponsor one. Many farm animal sanctuaries allow you to “adopt” an animal, such as The Gentle Barn. For a monthly or yearly donation, you can help support a farm animal of your choice, which help pay for the care of your sponsored animal. You may even receive monthly updates on your animal!
4. Purchase Cruelty-Free Products
Did you know that many of the products we use every day are either tested on animals, contain animal products, or both? Our beauty and cleaning supplies, bedding, clothes, and furniture could have caused harm to an animal.
Get in the habit of looking at product ingredients to find out if it contains animals or look for the Leaping Bunny logo that certifies that a product isn’t tested on animals. If in doubt, download the Cruelty-Free App by Leaping Bunny to make sure you’re not paying for cruelty.
5. Go Vegan
One of the biggest ways you can help make a difference for animals is to leave them off your plate!
Each year, more than 70 billion land animals are killed for food. 70 billion!! That doesn’t even take into account sea animals such as fish, lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.
While going vegan may seem difficult at first, there are so many products now on the market that help make your transition easy! And, if you need a little extra help, work with a Main Street Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator. They can help you clarify your goals, motivate you, and give you the tools you need to make the transition with ease.
Make a Difference for Animals
Imagine how much better this world would be for animals if each one of us made the commitment to help them. There are so many people in this world who are hurting animals, be one of those who are helping.
In marketing and web design for over 20 years, Heather Dahman owns, HD Vegan Marketing + Design, an agency focused on helping vegan businesses succeed online. Heather is also a Main Street Vegan Academy certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator with her company, The Veg Academy, and holds a certification in plant-based nutrition. She also organizes a local vegfest and vegan restaurant week.
OK, Heather, if I weren’t a vegan already, your discussion here would have put me over the line. Thank you! I can add one more suggestion: if you live anywhere near an animal sanctuary (such as the Humane Society or a farmed animal rescue sanctuary), volunteer whenever you can. Holding those sweet faces in your hands will make you never want to go back.
It was Heather’s #1 point. I’m just underlining it.
This is such a powerful, compassionate, clear, solution packed message!
This is the exact message that should be everywhere!
Thank you much for sharing this!!!
You’re awesome!