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Spay and neuter -

By spaying and neutering pets, it eases the overpopulation problem and decreases the number of animals put to death in shelters. It also prolongs the life of your dog or cat.

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Never buy an animal from a pet shop -

Always choose to adopt your furry companion from shelters. Pet shops buy from puppy mills and large-scale breeders, which contributes to overpopulation. Plus, over-bred animals are often very unhealthy.

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Support your local animal shelter -

Animal shelters always need people to help socialize cats, walk dogs, foster animals, and clean cages. If you can't volunteer, send a contribution.

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Never give an animal as a gift -

Many pets have been abandoned because people aren’t prepared to care for them. Therefore, never give an animal as a gift before discussing it with your friends and family first.

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Report abuse -

Report the proper authorities if you witness any type of cruelty or abuse. Also, keep in mind that dogfighting is illegal and should be reported immediately.

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Don't ignore stray animals -

Stray animals can become victims of disease, starvation, and human cruelty. So when you see one, don't ignore it. Instead, contact your local animal shelter to report it.

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Use collars and tags -

Make sure to keep collars and tags on dogs and cats, even when they're inside. This way if they run away they can be returned home safely.

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Use natural cleaners -

Hazardous chemicals are not only harmful to the planet, but also to your pet's health. Therefore, opt for non-toxic cleaners in your home.

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Attend a humane dog training course -

Learn to properly communicate with your dog by attending a humane dog training course. You'll learn to understand each other better.

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Provide exercise for your dogs -

Make sure you provide moments for your dog to exercise. Remember: they need opportunities for walking, running, digging, and exploring.

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Consider a more plant-based diet -

Switching to a plant-based diet brings many health benefits, such as reduced risk of cancer and obesity. And on top of that, it helps to reduce the negative impact that factory farming has on animals.

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Keep cats indoors -

Cars, pesticides, and feral cats are just some of the reasons to keep house cats indoors. With proper shelter and care, indoor cats live longer, safer, and healthier lives.

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Choose non-animal fabrics -

In addition to contributing to climate change and pollution, the production of animal-derived materials, such as fur, leather, and wool, causes the suffering and deaths of millions of animals.

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Find alternatives to zoos -

It's fascinating to see animals up close, but many zoo animals are victims of illegal trade and raised in captivity. Consider watching them in their natural habitat or at nature centers.

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Boycott marine theme parks -

Captive marine mammals often die of pneumonia, ulcers, and other stress-related illnesses, as they can't use their sonar and escape the noise of onlookers. For reference, wild dolphins can live up to 40 years, but in captivity they rarely survive beyond their teens.

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Don't attend circuses with animal acts -

Many circuses are moving away from animal acts, but if you find one that still offers this kind of entertainment, don't attend. Animals don't naturally ride bicycles or balance on balls. To force them to perform these physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, and other painful tools.

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Join wildlife protection organizations -

Support organizations that protect animals who have been captured young and sold to zoos. Many of these organizations also work to protect animals from illegal hunting.

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Buy cruelty-free products -

Most consumer products, such as cosmetics and soaps, have been tested on animals who are intentionally poisoned. Make sure the packaging states the product is cruelty-free.

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Don't buy products that contain animal ingredients -

Unfortunately, many innocuous products have animal and animal-derived ingredients incorporated in them. Check that the products you're buying don't contain animal ingredients.

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Provide a wildlife sanctuary -

If you have a garden, leave a good part natural with bushes and ground cover. If you keep it diverse, you'll attract a great variety of birds and small mammals.

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Provide bird baths -

Bird baths are an excellent way to provide birds with water. But remember to properly maintain it in order to avoid any transmission of diseases. 

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Keep deadwood -

Hundreds of species of birds and animals live in deadwood and feed on the insects found there.

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Leave wildlife in your attic or chimney alone -

If there's an animal nesting in an unused part of your home, leave them alone for a few weeks until the youngsters are grown. They'll eventually move out on their own. Then you can seal up any entry places.

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Deter bugs with spices -

To get rid of ants, pour a line of cream of tartar, red chili powder, paprika, or dried peppermint at the place where they enter the house. They won't cross it. And if you want to get rid of cockroaches, spread whole bay leaves around the infested area.

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Don’t feed wildlife -

Even if it's with good intention, feeding ducks and other wildlife weakens their natural and necessary fear of humans.

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Recycle Christmas trees -

Don't just throw out your old Christmas tree. It's better to recycle it, as birds and other small animals use deadwood as nests and protection.

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Support whale watching -

Whale watching is an educational and humane way to support this mighty animal. Plus, it's a way of ending whaling.

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Cut plastic six-pack rings -

Six-pack rings are highly dangerous to wildlife. Commonly found around the necks of animals, like turtles and waterfowls, make sure to cut them before discarding them.

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Teach respect for animals -

Children have a natural connection with animals. From cute stuffed toys to having animals as characters in many children's books, you have plenty of great opportunity to teach kids to be compassionate towards animals. 

Sources: (JustGive) (Humane Decisions) 

See also: The most common mistakes dog owners make

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