Take Action!
Everyday Ways to Help Surrendered Dogs
​You don’t need to run a rescue to make a difference for dogs in your community. What matters most is noticing a need and taking small steps to help. At Ruff Justice, we believe the best solutions start locally. When people come together to share resources, support one another, and partner with their shelters, everyone wins especially the dogs who need it most.
You can make an impact! Here's how...
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Connect with your local shelter.
Visit, ask what they need, and listen. Some shelters need transport help, others need supplies or community outreach. You can search for your shelter HERE.
Talk about the issue.
Talk with your church and your neighbors, your friends and family. Many people have no idea there is an animal shelter crisis, how dire it is, or how their everyday actions can help.
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Share what you have.
Extra crate, leash, or bag of food? Offer it to a local foster or family in need.
Create a pet food pantry.
Small acts of generosity can keep dogs out of the shelter system altogether.
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Volunteer at your shelter or rescue.
Even a brief visit with a dog, a short walk, an outing can make a huge difference for a dog in a small, noisy cage. Those few minutes can help them decompress and ultimately make them more adoptable. Many shelters welcome kids as young as 10 to walk and read to dogs so it can be a great family event.
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Have your voice heard.
Organize a letter writing campaign or call your local representatives, go to a council meeting. You can find your local representatives HERE and find a call script HERE, and a sample letter HERE.
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FOSTER FOSTER FOSTER!
Many dogs just need a short term foster, sometimes just a few days to a couple of weeks. Shelters will usually give you all you need to make it possible, or Ruff Justice can help too. Fosters save lives! Find a local shelter HERE and ask what rescue groups they work with for fosters.
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Start a foster circle.
Gather a few friends, neighbors, or coworkers and take turns fostering one dog at a time. Share food, supplies, and support it’s easier together, and it saves lives.
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Finally, get the word out about how YOU'VE helped dogs in your community!
Post success stories, adopted dogs, small victories. Tag our Ruff Justice Facebook Group HERE so we can amplify your post and help your local story reach more people.