Giving back to animals might be the easiest way to introduce your kids to the benefits to helping others. For our partner, MSPCA Angell in Boston, young children make an impact on homeless animals simply by learning more about them.

“Your kids can make an impact just by coming into the shelter,” says Project Coordinator, Katie Armour. While the MSPCA adoption center, one of the largest in the Boston area, might not allow young children to volunteer, they can come into the center to meet homeless animals and to learn more about animal care and safety. They can also craft quilts for the shelter, make dog toys, host a doggie biscuit bake sale, or any number of other things from their own homes or neighborhoods.

The MSPCA does, however, encourage volunteers 16 year and older to apply to make a difference at the shelter. While life-long volunteers are preferred, high school students with a love for animals can give back to their communities by volunteering at the MSPCA.

Most kids love animals, but few learn how important it is for a community to take care of homeless animals. Not all families have the capacity to adopt; your family might not be able to commit to an animal, but fostering is also an option. Kids can learn how to help animals that do not have homes, which simultaneously teaches them how to be great animal owners in the future.

“You learn empathy from a really early age; its so important for kids to learn that there are homeless animals and how they can help,” says Armour. “Get your kids involved in a local shelter in some capacity; whether its canned food drives, donations, etc. Little things can be very helpful.”

The MSPCA in Boston is just one of the many ways in which you and your family can help local animals in need. Familiarizing your kids with homeless animals and the adoption process will ultimately inspire future generations of adopters!