If you are reading this page, then you love your pets and probably all animals. You may also wish you could help pets in shelters in some form or fashion. But, let’s face it. There is only so much room in your house and you can only take in as many as you can care for. So, what can you do? Well, a lot really. I’m sure there’s at least one animal shelter near you and they always need help. Read on to see how you can help animals in need!
Donate Money
Well, you knew we were going to start here, right? It’s fast an easy. Most shelters have a place right on their website where you can give money. Click the button, save the receipt and you can use that when you file your income taxes for the year. Some of them will even let you set up a payment that comes out every month if you would like to help that way.
Going to fundraising events is another way you can help them out. Sometimes it’s a fancy pants meal or it may be a walk-a-thon. Whatever it is, the money they make goes to help the shelter and that helps the animals!
Donate Supplies
Maybe you don’t feel comfortable giving money or you would simply prefer to donate food and/or other items. Usually, you can give stuff right to the shelter. Shelters are always in need of cat food, dog food, bowls to put it in, bedding for cats, dogs, and rodents, crates, unused toys, leashes, harnesses, collars – if an animal can use it, your shelter probably needs it! Get a hold of your shelter and ask them what they need. It might be that they even shelter livestock so a donation of hay may be appropriate.
Donate Your Stuff
Some shelters even have shops where they sell stuff that gets donated to them. This, in turn, gives them money for stuff they need. The Humane Society usually takes donations this way. You can help animals and get rid of stuff you don’t need – all at the same time!
Donate Your Time
Pretty much every shelter needs more help. The dogs need daily walks and the kitties need interaction and to be played with. And, of course, there is always cleaning to be done in the crates. If you have certain skills like bookkeeping, photography, clerical, social networking, etc. talk to the shelter staff and see if you could donate an hour or two of your time each week.
If you want to help animals or just want to help out in the area you live in, think about giving your time, money, or stuff to your local shelters!
Calvin
Tuesday 14th of April 2020
I was glad to help my local shelter, volunteered there for many hours, also adopted a cat.
Kimberly Freeman
Thursday 21st of April 2016
fantastic post. Rescues are so much in need. We should do everything we can to help them
Lindsay Pevny
Monday 18th of April 2016
When my old dog passed away a lot of his old stuff went to a local shelter. I'm glad there are so many ways to help.
Cathy Armato
Monday 18th of April 2016
Great tips! Another great thing is to share photos of their adoptable animals on your social media. Even if you don't think you have lots of readers in your city, your readers may have more readers in your city and so on and so on. Intake photos are usually awful, an adorable photo can make a huge difference! Love & Biscuits, Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Sweet Purrfections
Monday 18th of April 2016
We've donated to our shelter and Mom Paula says she wants to volunteer some time once she retires.