Not everyone is in a place to adopt a pet, and that’s okay. Shelters and rescues need help in lots of ways, and the holiday season is a perfect time to give back.
Here are 10 ways you can help shelter animals without bringing one home.
1. Volunteer Your Time
Shelters always need people to walk dogs, socialize cats, clean kennels and help at adoption events. Even a few hours a month helps.
2. Foster a Pet
Fostering gives an animal a break from the shelter and frees up space for another pet in need. Many rescues cover food and vet costs.
3. Donate Supplies
Check your local shelter’s wish list. Common needs include food, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, toys and litter.
4. Give Money
Cash donations help shelters cover vet bills, spay and neuter surgeries and other expenses. Many shelters run holiday matching campaigns.
5. Share Adoptable Pets Online
Sharing a shelter’s posts on social media can help a pet find a home. You never know who might see it.
6. Organize a Donation Drive
Collect supplies through your church, school, office or neighborhood. It’s a great way to get kids involved.
7. Sponsor a Pet
Some shelters let you sponsor a specific animal’s care or adoption fee, which can help a long-timer get noticed.
8. Help at Events
Shelters often need volunteers for fundraisers, adoption days and community events.
9. Offer Your Skills
Are you a photographer, writer, handyman or good with social media? Shelters can use help with pet photos, bios, repairs and more.
10. Spay or Neuter Your Own Pets
One of the best ways to help is to prevent more homeless pets in the first place. Spaying and neutering makes a big difference.
Every little bit counts
You don’t have to do everything. Pick one or two ways to help that fit your life. Your local shelter will be grateful, and so will the animals waiting for their forever homes.
Featured image: Deployed Soldiers volunteer at animal shelter (8106127) by U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elsi Delgado, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
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