Resources: Organize Your Neighborhood

Thank you for stepping up to be an active force for pets in your community. If you haven’t already done so, join the 2025 Action Team and become part of an exclusive group of people dedicated to saving the lives of animals.

When residents band together to create a collective support network for one another, the community can endure and overcome any challenge. But it takes at least one person raising their hand to help get that community action rolling.

If you want to promote positive change for pets and people in your neighborhood, here are some simple steps and resources you might.

DECIDE ON A COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

Does your neighborhood have an existing communication channel or group? If not, consider creating one now.

Some tools to consider:

• WhatsApp
• Private Facebook Groups or closed group chats
• Google Groups
• NextDoor

Choose the option that everyone is comfortable using. Neighborhood teams should be somewhere between five and 30 people. If there are more than 30 neighbors interested, divide into smaller groups to help streamline your efforts.

CONNECT TO NEIGHBORS IN NEED USING COMMUNITY KINDNESS CARDS

Use community kindness cards to connect support with those who need it. You can find instructions along with downloadable cards to print here.

If your community has a Facebook group, NextDoor pod, or list server, you might want to connect with people through digital channels rather than printing hard copies. We recommend using Google Forms or Sheets to create online versions of the community kindness cards for interested residents to complete.

Be sure to keep privacy issues in mind as you collect information and always respect and protect people’s personal contact information like phone numbers and email.

ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY

Once you've created your team, maintain regular communication with everyone, and stay informed about relevant issues and needs in your community. Look for local resources to share like lists of grocery stores or other services providing free or low-cost delivery. Create fun community-based activities like visual scavenger hunts to nurture connection while respecting physical distancing requirements.

If you’re looking for step-by-step information on how to advocate for a compassionate no-kill community where you live, download the Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit [PDF].

FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS WITH PETS

If you know of people in your neighborhood who have pets, consider sharing these "Animals Inside" signs, too. Posting these signs in front doors/windows lets first responders know there are animals inside that may need to be helped.