Thursday Thrift: Humane Society Thrift Stores

I have written about thrift stores that benefit recovering drug addicts, work programs, and counseling for struggling families. What I haven't touched on is thrift stores that benefit the furry (or scaled, feathered, etc.) members of our society. The Human Society of the United States (here) is the "nation's largest animal protection organization." They are our animal advocates, working tirelessly to create, change, or overturn laws pertaining to critters, work (often in conjunction with police) to investigate alleged animal cruelty, reform industry ideas (fur is bad), and rescue animals through their sanctuaries, emergency centers, wildlife centers, and clinics. The Human Society is often called for emergency rescues in cases of neglect and/or abuse.

The Humane Society of the United States does not, to my knowledge, run a nation-wide thrift store for fundraising. However, many independent local humane societies do run thrift stores to help fund their operations. These are the places you go to for the low to no cost spay and neuter programs, adoptions, surrenders, etc. The Humane Society does not run these independent humane societies and SPCAs, but they work with these operations by providing training, evaluations, publications, and other services. 

A quick Google search using "humane society thrift store" brought up 215k hits. Add in your local area and you might be able to find a thrift store in your area that benefits the critters. The Humane Society does help these small organizations with funding. But, more is needed than The Humane Society can provide for every single associated shelter. The combined support of The Humane Society and other rescue agencies nationwide, grassroots fundraising, thrift stores, and donations are often the only way local shelters keep their lights on and food in bowls.

Just something to keep in mind for the critter-friendly population.

Love is love, no matter the back story. <3 DS