When you’re spreading holiday cheer and giving gifts this year, remember that domestic animals and rescued wildlife could use a little help, too! Believe it or not, your clothes can help animals in need, and not just due to avoiding common retail items with materials made from byproducts. 

Whether you’re donating the old or buying new, it’s important to keep our furry friends in mind. So even if you’re not sure exactly where to start, we’re here to help! Plus, it’s easier than you might think to incorporate the act of giving and receiving with the right retailers and charities, and here are a few reasons why you should.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.” And sadly, of those 7.6 million, approximately 2.7 million are euthanized. There are thousands of no-kill animal shelters and even wildlife rescues that operate solely on donations. As a result, many of the founders sacrifice their own needs in order to provide for the animals in their care.

So let’s make the lives of animals in need a little brighter this year by checking out these great retailers and charities where your clothes can help make a difference.

Where to Buy 

Arm the Animals

Arm the Animals (ATM) is all about “making activism fashionable.” ATM is a t-shirt and apparel company intent on helping small independent shelters. Established in 2010 after the founder’s sister’s untimely passing, ATM has been donating to animal rescues because of her dedication to animal advocacy. ATM claims that it is not a non-profit organization, but a regular apparel business with the core goal of giving back. And although it doesn’t say exactly how much is given, the business does profess that it provides these shelters with a steady stream of donations.   

Hendrick & Co.

Hendrick & Co. is an apparel company that was established in 2011 by William David Hendrickson in Anaheim, California. The company views itself as a “vehicle that connects local animal nonprofits with people, from all walks of life.” And through the purchase of apparel and accessories, it has given nearly $500,000 to save animals. Every product purchase from the site triggers a $10 donation to support local animal rescues and shelters.

Vaute Couture

Vaute Couture is an apparel company that was launched in 2009 and specializes in vegan outerwear, but also happens to have a great selection of tanks, tees, and sweatshirts that benefit various animal rescues. When a portion of the sale is donated, the item will be clearly marked in the description, that way you’ll know exactly where your money is going. The clothes on here are so cute, don’t be surprised if some styles are sold out, so be sure to do your holiday shopping from Vaute Couture early. 

Where to Donate 

Born Free U.S.A.

Born Free U.S.A. is a national animal advocacy nonprofit organization with the mission to “end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife – including highly endangered species – in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.”

The organization’s “Fur for the Animals” campaign is a donation drive to collect coats, hats, and other accessories made from animal fur, where they are then distributed to wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country, which are listed on the website. Not only will these donations assist animals, but they will also help the organization’s goal of reducing the supply, demand, and social acceptance of fur in fashion. The coats are used to comfort rescued animals, mimicking the warmth and feel of mom. 

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores established to benefit nonprofit animal rescues are great places to donate used clothing and other acceptable goods. These rescues often rely on donations and from the sale of those items, which is why every little bit helps. Most major cities have thrift stores like these, so be sure to check them out next time you need to get rid of some gently used clothing or when you’re on the hunt for a cool vintage piece of furniture.

When you’re making your list and checking it twice this holiday season, remember that your clothes can help animals in need. Consider giving a rescue-benefitting sweater or donating some old clothes to make room for new gifts – it may make more of an impact than you realize.

How did you like our ideas on giving back this season? Do you plan to give any of these a try? Let us know what you liked best on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Kitten via Shutterstock

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Musicians and celebrities: They love their furry friends just like us! All joking aside, though, it’s swell to discover that your favorite artist supports animal rescues and rights, and abhors animal cruelty, isn’t it?

1. Billy Corgan

Recently, I spied Billy Corgan, the frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, on the cover of a Chicago pet shelter’s magazine and that got me thinking – what other musicians support animal rescues and animal rights? Well, I’ve done a bit of research, and found a handful of other stellar artists who love and support animals, too.

First, though, a bit more about Billy Corgan’s love for pets and animal rescues:

Corgan, along with Sammi and Mr. Thom, Corgan’s two rescued kittens, made the cover of PAWS Chicago magazine, a publication for the no-kill animal shelter, PAWS Chicago. The rescue runs a spay and neuter clinic, and adopts out pets. Corgan also has helped the organization by donating prizes to the shelter’s auctions and speaking on the awesomeness of pet adoptions.

Now, onto the other artists.

2. Kesha

This singsong pop artist uses her pedestal to raise awareness for all our furry friends. She speaks out on a variety of animal cruelty issues, which includes how poorly some wild animals are treated. The singer also supports cruelty-free makeup brands. Also: In 2013, she was awarded the Wyler Award from The Humane Society of the United States. Way to go, Kesha!

3. Moby

Moby jumped aboard the vegan train when he was 21 and he’s also an animal rights activist. Moby also has co-edited a book about factory farms called, “Gristle: From Factory Farms to Food Safety (Thinking Twice About the Meat We Eat),” and created an animal rights t-shirt design for PETA. Read all about why Moby decided to become vegan (hint: he loves animals) by reading the March 2014 essay he wrote for Rolling Stone.

4. Pink

Pink is incredibly vocal about animal rights. She is an avid supporter of rescue shelters and encourages people to volunteer at the ASPCA. She’s known for telling friends to adopt rather than buy from puppy mills, which often leave puppies sick and malnourished.

5. Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple loved her dying pup so much so that she canceled a recent tour to stay by the side of her dog. She wrote a heartfelt explanation to fans that shows just how much pet lovers adore their furry buddies.

6. Paul McCartney

Sir Paul has worked with PETA for more than 20 years! McCartney is an advocate for vegetarianism and has always spoken out about how animal cruelty is wrong. The Beatles and Wings founder also wrote a letter asking former KFC CEO David Novak to implement PETA’s eight-point plan to stop the worst abuses to chickens, and narrated the heartbreaking animal rights documentary, “Glass Walls.” (Note: This video includes some very hard to watch material. Consider before pressing play.)

7. Emmylou Harris

This country superstar is a big fan of PETA’s spay and neuter campaigns. Harris also is the founder of Bonaparte’s Retreat, a dog rescue that opened its doors in 2004. And bonus: The talented artist also is a vegetarian.

Related on EcoSalon

Dr. Bronner’s Soaps Does a Little Magic for Animals

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Resources

“Billy Corgan Looks Smashing On Pet Shelter Magazine Cover,” EcoRazzi

“11 Celebrities Who Speak for Animals,” Vet Street

Image: cinchonine

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Love your pet but can’t take it with you when you travel? Try renting a dog for the weekend from this innovative shelter program.

If you’re a dog or cat owner who loves to travel, you’ve had to deal with the unhappy scenario of leaving your best friend at home. It’s stressful for both parties, but sometimes necessary. If you happen to be headed to the Colorado Rockies, however, there’s a great way to offset the furry friendless blues. The Aspen Animal Shelter has a Rent-a-Pet program for visitors (and residents) that provides a symbiotic, feel-good solution for participants of the two- and four-legged variety.

This progressive, for-profit, no-kill shelter has a borrowing system for folks who want a canine companion to hike with. Whether it’s for two hours or a weekend, adoptable dogs are matched up with “renters,” who then provide the animals with exercise, love, and enhanced socialization skills.

According to Aspen Animal Shelter director Seth Sachson, the adoption rate from the Rent-a-Pet program is high; another bonus. Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, runner, cyclist, Nordic skier, or snowshoer, no matter. Matches are made based upon the athletic ability and personality of both parties, so even if your idea of a workout is drinking coffee and people-watching, you’ll both benefit.

And here’s a tip: if dog loving travelers want a pup for the weekend or you plan to bring your own dog, many of Aspen’s hotels are dog-friendly. Looking for ways to incorporate your furry friend into your vacation plans? Consider taking a skijoring clinic from the shelter.

Image: Laurel Miller

Related on EcoSalon:

7 Reasons Not to Diss a Career in Dog-Walking

Doggy Dos and Don’ts: 5 Ways to be a Green Pet Owner

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Summer activities often don’t feel complete without an outing to the zoo or circus. But what about something a bit more animal friendly? Guilt kinda ruins a good summer, don’t you think?

Like many kids, I spent most of my childhood summers going to the zoo. I even worked there for a summer. Back then, I loved staring at all the strange looking creatures who were, without question, looking back at me. I wanted to know them, play together, cuddle up at nap time. But it didn’t take me long to realize just how unfriendly zoos actually are. Captive animals are deprived of their natural environments. While many zookeepers do genuinely care for the animals, that doesn’t make up for the loss of habitat and natural diet, or the stress and anxiety that comes with living in cramped cages and being gawked and yelled at day in and day out.

The lack of access to natural food and habitat can wreak havoc on animals’ bodies (elephants, for example, normally walk 30 miles a day in the wild). They develop more diseases that are difficult to treat, and often deadly. They also develop fertility issues, and if they do reproduce, can often reject their offspring. Many animals in zoos, circuses and other captive situations often also develop a condition called “zoochosis” where they display strange habits like walking in circles or swaying nonstop. Sometimes it’s so bad they’re given mood-altering drugs.

Not exactly animal friendly, eh?

But, observing animals is enriching—particularly to young children. Learning about other life forms is part of a healthy relationship with the world, and can bring great inspiration, compassion and curiosity. Avoiding zoos, circuses, Sea World and other captive animal situations doesn’t mean avoiding animals altogether. Check out these seven animal friendly summer activities:

1. Sanctuaries: Many circus and farm animals are fortunate enough to “retire” to animal sanctuaries, where they’re treated much better. Often given more space to roam, a more natural diet and not forced to perform or interact, they can live out their lives peacefully. Sanctuaries often host all kinds of summer activities, including tours, events and gatherings where you can learn the stories about the rescued animals and help support them.
2. Wildlife reserves: There are wildlife reserves all over the country—often just a short drive from most major cities. You may be able to view all sorts of creatures there from rare birds and mammals to fish and reptiles. Plus, they’re often free, too.
3. National Parks: Like wildlife reserves, protected National Park lands also protect some of our most majestic creatures. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and you just might see a bald eagle, a black bear or even a moose in their natural environment.
4. Whale watching: If you’re coastal, certain times of the year are great for whale watching. Check up on whale-watching tours to make sure they don’t try to bait or lure the animals towards the boats. They’re big enough that you won’t need much help in seeing them!
5. Bird watching: There are thousands of species of birds in the U.S. and they vary drastically by region. It’s one of the most rewarding animal experiences around, and you’ll often see lots of other critters on your outing, too.
6. Shelters: Dogs and cats are animals, too! Volunteering at an animal shelter can be an incredibly rewarding and interactive experience for you and the animals. Walk a dog, feed a rabbit, pet a cat and enjoy that connection the animals love as much as you do.
7. Your backyard: Animals are everywhere. Squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, possum, fox, lizards, deer, birds—these are just some of the animals common in North American yards, and they’re as amazing and beautiful as chimpanzees or pandas. Get to know your local fauna for the exotic creatures they really are.

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Image: Vinoth Chandar

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Beyond the tragically oil-soaked birds and sea turtles, there’s another animal population feeling the impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill – the area’s pets. Many Louisiana pet owners have been forced to give up their cats and dogs due to a lack of time and money. Whether they’re fishermen or offshore rig workers, much of the population relies on the Gulf for income, and for many, those incomes were cut off abruptly. Sadly, pets are often the first to go when the choice must be made to feed either the family or the dog. Plus, some families had to move, often leaving their animals behind to adhere to no-pet rules at apartment buildings for example.

So what’s happening to all of the abandoned Gulf Coast oil spill pets now?

The Associated Press reported that a BP oil-worker, suddenly slammed with more work than he could handle, dropped off a rust-colored Lab mix named Sasha along with nine one-day-old puppies at St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter in Violet, LA. Heartbreaking? Yes. But the story is far too common now. In fact, Dean Howard of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told the AP that coastal parishes saw a spike in the number of family pets dropped off immediately after the spill. And the growing numbers of pets coming in, with few getting adopted, is more than the shelters can handle.

Want to help? You can donate to the Louisiana SPCA, the local organization that has set up a Gulf Coast Companion Relief Program. Along with a grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, they’re also supplying food, free vet appointments, spaying, and neutering to area owners in an effort to help them keep their pets. For pets that can’t stay with their owners, the SPCA has been arranging emergency transports to relieve Louisiana shelters. They moved 17 highly adoptable dogs – purebred Labs, Yorkies and Maltese to Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia. The Humane Society of the United States also recently transported 33 dogs up to Maryland.

If you want to adopt a Gulf Coast oil spill pet (even those not classified as highly adoptable yet still totally adorable btw!), the Lousisiana SPCA is constantly adding new shelters to their Gulf Coast Transport program. Check the site for the latest shelters to see if one has been added near you. They’re planning more rescues in the coming weeks including transports to shelters in Florida or Texas. You can also try searching for pets at Louisiana shelters on Petfinder. The St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter lists many of their adoptable pets online through Petfinder and Petango. Another overwhelmed shelter accepting out-of-state adoptions is the Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Belle Chasse, LA. PAWS also showcases their Gulf Coast oil spil cats and dogs on Petango.

Images: superfem, jmborsh, jeffreyw, bnilsen

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Every eight seconds, a dog or cat in a U.S. shelter is euthanized. While these animals end up in the shelter for a variety of reasons, the root problem is that too many pet owners choose to breed their companion without thinking through the consequences of producing litters of dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering saves the lives of thousands of puppies and kittens who end up in the shelter each day. The surgeries to alter your pet are routine surgeries with an easy recovery. There are even free or low-cost clinics across the country to help you afford the surgery.

Here are six more reasons not to breed your pet:

Shelters already struggle with pet overpopulation

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that U.S. animal shelters care for six to eight million dogs and cats each year. Of those, approximately half are euthanized. A cat, for example, can have one to eight kittens per litter and two or three litters per year. That means you would have to find homes for up to 24 kittens. And those kittens, unless altered, could also reproduce, exponentially compounding the problem. Believe it or not, even the “Octomom” supports spaying and neutering pets.

Reduce – or eliminate – your pet’s risk for certain diseases.

Reduce or eliminate the risk of certain cancers, like testicular in males and ovarian or breast in females. Also, companion animals can contract STDs, uterine infections, and viruses associated with their sex organs.

Eliminate problem behaviors by eliminating sex hormones.

A lot of pesky behaviors are associated with sex hormones. Female cats and dogs go into heat and can leave blood stains around your house. Male cats and dogs spray or mark, altering your pet eliminates these messy mating behaviors entirely. After being altered, cats won’t spray and yowl, and dogs won’t roam or mark.

Keep your pets – and your community – safe.

An altered pet is less likely to roam the community searching for a mate and far less likely to show aggressive behavior. According to Best Friends Animal Society, there is a direct correlation between neutering and dog bites – a full 60 to 80 percent of bites are caused by intact male dogs.

Save money – yours and your fellow taxpayers’.

The cost of the surgery to alter your pet, even if you don’t go to a low-cost clinic, is less than the cost of care for a litter of puppies or kittens. Plus, it costs taxpayers and cities a lot of money to provide the staff and infrastructure needed to round up roaming pets, shelter unwanted dogs and cats, and provide for their care while trying to find suitable homes.

And, most importantly, altering your pet will lengthen his or her life.

According to Spay/USA, a program run by the North Shore Animal League, neutering your dog will increase his life by an average of one to three years, and your cat’s life by three to five years. By altering your companion, you’ll be able to enjoy a longer, happier life together!

Images: MendocinoAnimalCare and Dan Harrelson

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