Platforms like Facebook are making it easier than ever to host fundraisers to donate money directly to an organization of your choosing. This year, for your birthday try hosting a social media fundraiser to collect money for your local shelter – you never know who might contribute.
Brighten a shelter pet’s day by crafting some DIY toys to donate. You can make toys from many household items like spare socks or old clothes. Add a little catnip for some added fun.
One of the most useful ways to help out is to volunteer at the shelter. You never know what help the shelter may need, so even a couple days a week can be a huge help to their staff and pets.
Animal shelters are nearly always in need of blankets and other places for animals to curl up. Knitting or crafting blankets that can be donated, will help provide many animals with a warm, comfortable place to sleep.
The other most obvious and helpful way to help shelters is to adopt one of their available animals. Adopting a longstanding shelter resident, special needs or senior pet is especially appreciated as these animals have a harder time finding forever homes.
The next time you’re out shopping for litter or pet food, buy a second bag or box. Inquire with the store as to whether they offer the option to leave your donation at a receptacle to later be brought to a shelter, as many grocers and stores offer this option.
If you aren’t able to permanently adopt an animal but may be able to help care for one for a few months – try volunteering as a foster parent. Fosters are extremely helpful when it comes to young pets or animals with health problems who need more personalized care.
If you have a safe, reliable vehicle on hand, consider volunteering to transport animals to and from veterinary hospitals, fosters or other locations.
Most shelters keep a wish list of items they need on Amazon or on their website. While donating items you already have on hand is helpful—this ensures you are meeting the shelter’s most pressing needs.
Did Marie Kondo convince you to finally clean through those drawers of free t-shirts you’ve collected throughout the years? Don’t toss those! You can use them to create comfy blankets for pets in need.