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!
Christine Caplan says
Love these simple tips. I used to walk dogs at Oregon Humane Society - I went once a month and walked dogs in the yellow pod. Sometimes we would just hang out in their areas and it was nice to have a big visit. And to your point, donating items you don't use anymore are appreciated by all shelters. Great post!
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
These are awesome tips! I try to donate to the shelter whenever I am able to!
Jana Rade says
Great suggestion on how everybody can help out.
The Daily Pip says
Thanks for this wonderful post!!! We couldn't agree more . Better yet, do all of these things.
Pawesome Cats says
Great post - there are so many ways we can all help animals at need - even by sharing content online to help cats and dogs get adopted.
Dusty Desert Dogs says
Animal rescues need all the help they can get. Great post sharing ways people can get involved in helping.
Rachel says
There are so many ways to help animals in need and it's wonderful that you're listing non-monetary ones too!
Jessica Gibson says
I actually didn't even think about donating old stuff or pet things we don't want. I wonder.what they will and won't take. I'm gonna contact the local shelter.
Ruth Epstein says
Miss Molly have you seen website where you can help also 🙂 Layla and I believe in giving back and I actually have taught the two kids I babysit to help also and understand what rescue is 🙂
Tenacious Little Terrier says
We took some old towels and harnesses/collars that don't fit Mr. N and donated them to our shelter last week.
Talent Hounds says
So important to remind people that they can help in many ways - most shelters and rescues are always looking for fosters supplies, volunteers or donations.
Nichole says
There are so many ways to help and donate to local shelters! Great post!
Sharon Gilbert says
Rescue needs all the help they can get. I like to donate things I pick up on clearance all year long to donate to 2 different rescue places. Makes me feel good and I am use the dogs enjoy getting a toy for Christmas.
Tina G. says
I love helping with out local pet rescue group! They have many fundraisers and take donations! This is such a helpful article for people who don't realize what all they can do to help!
michele ziemann says
i really am thankful for the info about helping animals in need. this way when we can we can call see if we can buy things while we buy things or would rather us just drop off a check. but now we know that
we can go and talk to them.
THANK U !!
MICHELE z