Aid the Animals
Animals have a special place in our hearts.
Just like people and our planet, they need help, too.
Sometimes pets are left without homes and animals in nature lose their habitats. They can be put in scary situations, and many species around the world are facing extinction. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help animals have a safe, happy place in our world.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Check out our Activity Finder to find ways to help near you or projects you can do from home.
Create an account so you can favorite activities and track your impact.
Keep reading to learn about facts, how you can help, our nonprofit partners, recommended books to read, additional resources, and lesson plans.
Did you know…
1 million animal species and plants are now facing extinction due to the current climate emergency.
~6.5 million U.S. pets go to shelters every year.
1.5 million dogs and cats are killed at shelters each year because they aren’t adopted or shelters don’t have room to fit them all.
~10,000 organizations are working to rescue animals in North America alone.
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How can you help?
Whether it’s a homeless pet or an endangered creature in the wild, there are lots of ways you can give back to the animals in your community – and around the world.
Here are some ideas on how you can help:
- Donate to a shelter. It takes hundreds of pounds of food and supplies to feed and care for animals in shelters every day. Start a goods drive to collect food, blankets, toys and more, and donate to an animal shelter near you. Be sure to contact the shelter you want to support first to see what they really need.
- Spend time at a shelter. Another way to give back to local shelters and zoos is to volunteer your time to help with things like cleaning and feeding and to offer an extra set of hands to care for the animals. Many have programs for teens and some welcome younger kids accompanied by adults. Attending educational programs offered by shelters and rescue organizations can also be powerful, so you can spread the word to others about what’s going on and how to help.
- Become a foster family. If your family is able, you can provide a temporary, loving home to a shelter animal and get them ready for adoption (while also opening up space at the shelter).
- Find a cause you love. Pick an issue or project in your community that speaks to you. Start your search now.
- Make a toy or blanket for a homeless pet. Love crafts and making things with your hands? You can make a braided toy or a quilt or no-sew blanket to help a pet in a shelter feel a little more comfortable until they find their forever home.
Our Nonprofit Partners
These are just some of the inspiring partners we work with to help animals across the nation:
Los Angeles
They save animals from dire situations and give them a forever home, while also teaching kids how to be compassionate to animals.
Los Angeles
This group seeks to educate on all the issues impacting animals and how we can be better helpers.
Boston
They find homes and provide veterinary care for thousands of animals each year in the Boston area.
The Bay Area
They alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats, and advocate for all cats.
Recommended Reading List
You already love animals, and these books and resources will help you understand and appreciate them even more. As an Amazon Associate Project Giving Kids earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. *
Elementary
by Gill Lewis
by Eric Whittington & Tracy Whittington
by Bob Graham
by Troy Cummings
Middle School
High School
by Mark Asher
by Katherine Applegate
by Kate DiCamillo
by Peter Dickinson
Additional Online Resources
Interested in learning more? Check out these organizations and their websites for more information!
One Green Planet
In addition to ways to save the planet, One Green Planet also has tips for kids who want to help animals.
National Geographic Kids
See how you can use your voice to raise awareness.
Endangered Species Coalition
Some animals are fighting for their lives. Learn ways you can save endangered species wherever you live.
*The books, websites, charities, and/or other entities we share does not imply explicit endorsement by PGK, nor does PGK have any responsibility for the content provided by other organizations or websites. Content on this site is provided for informational purposes only.
Educational Materials
Teachers and parents can teach kids about helping animals in the classroom or at home with our educational materials.
Choose the grade level below to find a lesson plan.
Elementary School Lesson Plan
Overview
This lesson will focus on animal shelters and the services they provide to help animals that are lost or homeless. Students will discuss ways they can help animals in shelters and reflect on ways to promote adopting animals from shelters.
Objectives
- Students will explore the needs of animals in shelters
- Students will reflect on ways to help animals and complete a writing assignment to demonstrate their understanding
Middle School Lesson Plan
Overview
This lesson will focus on animal shelters and the services they provide to help animals that are lost or homeless. Students will explore ways animal shelters can offer optimum care to animals and reasons why adopting a shelter pet is preferable to purchasing from a pet store or breeder. Students will also identify reasons animals end up in shelters and consider ways to decrease the number of animals in shelters.
Objectives
- Students will explore the needs of animals in shelters
- Students will reflect on ways to help animals and complete a writing assignment to demonstrate their understanding
High School Lesson Plan
Overview
This lesson will focus on the importance of animal shelters and the American Humane Society to protect animals from dangerous conditions in puppy mills. Students will explore various types of animal shelters and the services they provide, ways to decrease the number of animals in shelters by supporting owners, reasons why adopting pets from shelters is beneficial, and laws surrounding puppy mills.
Objectives
- Students will explore the needs of animals in shelters
- Students will reflect on ways to help animals and complete a project to demonstrate their understanding