Find Your Fido at Animal Advocates

By Layla Joseph

National Dog Day is August 26, and there is no better way to celebrate than support a local non-profit organization that has a man’s best friend in mind. 

Not only can dogs counteract stressful emotions, but they also encourage their owners to move, decrease your risk of death and can make you happier overall, according to the American Kennel Club.

Caring for a canine can be as easy as making a donation or as involved as adopting a dog for your home. 

Animal Advocates is a PIttsburgh-based non-profit that prides themselves on community based advocacy and the no-kill policy they follow.

Founded in 1984, Animal Advocates’ volunteers have a history of advocating for the animals they rescue while caring for them and searching for loving homes. 

“We believe the relationship between a human and companion animal is an important bond that improves the physical and social well-being of individuals and the community at large,” the website shares.

If you’d like to get something out of your donation, make the ten-minute trip from Downtown to West End, travel to 35 Wabash Street and visit Animal Advocates’ thrift shop. The shop is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. on weekdays. 

All sales at the thrift shop go directly to benefiting Pittsburgh pets that are in need of rescue or care. 

The shop is currently accepting donations such as jewelry, gently-worn clothing, pet accessories, small appliances and vintage or collectable trinkets.

For people who are looking for a more hands-on way to get involved, consider opening your home and becoming a temporary foster. If that’s too much of a commitment, Animal Advocates is also searching for volunteers to help with animal transportation to veterinarian appointments, shelters, foster homes and fur-ever homes. 

Animal Advocates is also searching for volunteers who can organize fundraisers, advocacy programs and community outreach. Potential volunteers should be able to plan, publicize and staff the program and can do things like hold supply and donation drives for the furry friends and at the rescue. 

Animal Advocates is always looking to place dogs in loving homes, Pittsburghers looking for a pupper should apply on the website. Adoption fees vary with age, and if you adopt two pets, you get a 50% discount on the fees for the second companion.