Why Animal Welfare Organizations are Invaluable

Posted by Caroline Aro on 11/03/2025

Animal rescues, shelters and sanctuaries are absolutely vital for animal wellbeing; they often save animal lives from abusive or neglectful situations, provide essential services such as veterinary care and allow for safe haven for animals as they await their forever homes. Their work in community engagement, education and advocacy and animal wellbeing has a big impact on local communities.

A tan and white dog sitting, looking up at the camera while sitting on a blue blanket on top of a red elevated Kuranda dog bed.

Volunteering

Many organizations are powered by volunteers whose work is invaluable in caring for animals in need. Volunteering time is critical for socializing, feeding and caring for animals. Just as important are people who volunteer and open up their homes as fosters. Fosters take in animals from shelters and care for them in a home setting while the pets wait to be adopted.

A tan dog outdoors sitting on an elevated Kuranda dog bed.

Education and Advocacy

Animal welfare organizations work to raise awareness of the importance of their work and to spread their mission. The more people are aware, the more educated they are and the better off the community is when it comes to animal welfare. This can be applied to better knowledge on pet ownership, microchipping, spay/neuter, what to do if you find a lost animal, what to do if your pet is lost... Shelters are so much more than just a place to house animals! They often connect with local schools to educate children about how to care for and interact with animals.

A dark brindle and white dog laying sideways on an elevated Kuranda metal dog bed. Glass block window in the background.

Reuniting Pets and Owners

Not only do animal welfare groups rescue animals from negative situations, but they often take in strays and help them find their owners. This is one reason that having your pet microchipped is so important! If your pet ever were to get out and is found, they can be taken to a shelter where their microchip can be scanned. That will have all of your up to date information so the shelter can get in contact and can reunite you with your loved pet.

A tabby cat sits up on a Kuranda PVC-frame cat tower

Safe Haven

Whether stray pets waiting for their families or abandoned animals awaiting adoption, animal rescues and shelters provide a safe space to stay in the meantime. Whether a physical brick-and-mortar shelter or sanctuary, or through foster homes, these groups ensure the animals in their care get the attention they need.

a red puppy laying on an elevated kuranda dog bed in a shelter kennel setting with a black and white pawprint blanket.

Veterinary Care

Animals that are brought to shelters are all vetted properly - from basic medical attention, to spay and neuter, to vaccinations and emergency surgeries, animal welfare groups oversee a lot. Spay/neuter services help to curb overpopulation, vaccinations help the spread of infectious diseases and many animals from the street or from abusive situations come in injured and may need surgery.

a yellow dog standing on an elevated Kuranda dog bed that is blue, looking up at the camera

Want to donate a Kuranda Bed to an animal welfare organization? Take a look at our ShelterBeds website at shelterbeds.org - find your favorite group or search for a local rescue in the search bar, donate a Kuranda product at a discount and it will ship directly to your chosen organization for free (within the lower 48 states)!