Your local animal shelters are understaffed and overcrowded — Here are a few ways to give back if you’re passionate about animals and want to show your support.

Why Support an Animal Shelter?

Animal shelters play a crucial role in providing care and shelter to homeless and abandoned animals in our communities. These shelters rely heavily on the support of volunteers, donors, and advocates to continue their work. 

If you’re passionate about animals and want to support your local shelter, there are several ways to do just that. Some of these contributions look like volunteering, fostering, donating, spreading awareness, organizing fundraisers, hosting a birthday party, and attending the shelter’s events and meetings. 

Here is a more in depth look at the ways you can give back to the animal shelter of your choice:

Adopt, Rescue, or Foster:

If you have the space, time, and resources, consider becoming a foster parent for animals in need. Fostering provides temporary care for animals until they find their forever homes. It’s a crucial part of reducing overcrowding in shelters and giving animals a chance to experience a loving home environment. 

Or, if you find it in your heart to welcome a new animal into your family, adopting or rescuing an animal is a great way to support your local shelter. Those working at the shelter will help you find the perfect fit for your family.

Volunteer Your Time:

For those that are willing to spare the time, the most hands-on way to support your local animal shelter is by volunteering. You can volunteer your time by:

1. Animal Care: Assist with feeding, grooming, exercising, socializing with shelter animals, and even reading to them. This can greatly improve their well-being and chances of adoption.
2. Administrative Tasks: Help with paperwork, data entry, and organization, which frees up staff to focus on animal care.
3. Transport Services: Offer to transport animals to veterinary appointments, foster homes, or other shelters.

Make Donations:

Donations, whether that come in the form of financial contributions or the donation of supplies, are always greatly appreciated and much needed by all animal shelters.

Consider donating some of these supplies: 

1. Pet food, treats, and toys
2. Bedding and blankets
3. Cleaning supplies
4. Leashes, collars, and pet carriers
5. Grooming supplies
6. Office and administrative supplies

Check the shelter’s wish list on Amazon or Chewy to see what supplies they are in need of. 

Or, if you have the ability, shelters greatly appreciate monetary donations. Your financial support can go a long way in providing food, medical care, and necessary resources for the animals. Consider setting up a monthly donation or making a one-time contribution to support the shelter’s ongoing needs.

Spread Awareness:

Use your voice and influence to raise awareness about your local animal shelter. 

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word and connecting with potential supporters. Make sure to like and follow your local shelters, take it a step further by sharing their events, success stories, and the importance of adopting from shelters. Interacting with your local shelter on their social media platforms can be extremely helpful — liking a post and sharing a comment can go a long way and help their pages reach new people just like you! 

Other ways to spread awareness, consider more of the ways below:

Host a Birthday Party at a Non-Profit Shelter:

Educating and informing the public about adoption is a goal animal shelters are consistently trying to achieve. 

This education can start at an early age, and what better way to inform and spread awareness than by hosting your animal-loving child’s next birthday party at a shelter. It’s a great way to give back to the community while simultaneously creating special memories.

The party activities can range anywhere from doing crafts to participating in some volunteer work. Children can have the opportunity to interact with the animals and learn about the importance of adopting. Here are a few party ideas if you plan to host your next party at a shelter.  

When considering this idea for your next birthday celebration, it’s important to note that not every shelter has the ability to host a party. A bit of research and a few phone calls can help you find the animal shelter for you. 

If your shelter isn’t an option to host your birthday party, consider asking party attendees to donate household items or supplies that your shelter is in need of.

Attend Shelter Meetings and Events:

Stay engaged with the shelter’s activities by attending meetings, workshops, and special events. It’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals, learn more about animal welfare, and understand the shelter’s specific needs.

Giving back to your local animal shelter is a fulfilling and impactful way to contribute to your community and help animals in need. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, donate supplies or money, or use your skills to support the shelter, your efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of homeless animals. Start by contacting your nearest shelter, learning about their specific needs, and taking the first step toward being a compassionate advocate for these deserving animals. Your support can help create a brighter future for them.

Links

1. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/ten-ways-help-your-local-shelter-or-rescue 
2. https://www.southernliving.com/culture/pets/how-to-help-animal-shelters 
3. https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/helping-hands/animal-shelter-birthday-party-tips-and-ideas#:~:text=Once%20you%20find%20a%20willing,dogs%20and%20refilling%20food%20bowls.