McClure Engineering Volunteers at Gateway Pet Guardians
Supporting a Thriving Pet Welfare Community in the East Side Pet District.
At McClure Engineering, we love our “Bring Your Dog to Work” days. There’s something special about seeing happy, wagging tails and friendly faces around the office. Still, we often reflect on the many animals in our community who haven’t yet found their forever homes. Motivated by this, several team members and their families recently spent a Friday volunteering at Gateway Pet Guardians, a dedicated organization serving the East Side Pet District, which includes East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park, and Fairmont City.
About Gateway Pet Guardians
Gateway Pet Guardians is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and quality resources for pets and their owners. Their mission goes “Beyond Rescue”, working to keep families together and prevent pets from entering overcrowded shelters. They believe every person, regardless of zip code, income, employment status, or housing type, deserves the love of a pet. By removing barriers to pet ownership and fostering equitable access to resources, Gateway Pet Guardians ensures no one in their community faces the heartbreaking choice of giving up a beloved companion.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Our Volunteer Experience
During our day at Gateway Pet Guardians, we helped with dog walks, played with kittens, picked up trash, and stocked the storage rooms. Each task was rewarding, but the best part was engaging directly with the animals and providing them with the enrichment and attention that volunteers uniquely offer.
The impact Gateway Pet Guardians makes is truly impressive. In 2023 alone, they took in 1,590 homeless pets, facilitated 1,150 adoptions, transferred 139 pets to high-adoption rescues, and reunited 124 pets with their families. The region’s recent tornado increased the demand for their services, making volunteer support even more essential. The organization ensures all pets receive compassionate shelter, nutritious food, clean water, and veterinary care while waiting for their new families.
Get Involved
Volunteering at Gateway Pet Guardians was a wonderful experience for our team, and we hope to make it a regular activity. If you’re interested in opening your home to a pet or fostering one temporarily, Gateway Pet Guardians is a fantastic place to start. They offer flexibility for volunteers, so you can take an animal for the day, the weekend, or even just for a walk or play date. Research shows that even short visits can boost an animal’s happiness and sense of security as they await adoption.
Visit Gateway Pet Guardians’ website to learn more about their mission and meet the pets available for adoption. By supporting this incredible organization, you’ll help build a healthier, more empowered pet community, and maybe even find your next furry friend!
