Donate your time
Volunteering for a shelter is one of the most impactful ways to get involved. Many shelters need help with cleaning and caring for the animals, and keeping the facility in good condition. Call your local shelter to see if it needs extra volunteers.
Donate your pets’ gently-used items
Shelters can always use some extra supplies. Contact your local shelter or rescue group to see if it has a wish list of items it needs, just be sure to clean any supplies before you donate them. Often a shelter’s wish list will include:
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Water and food bowls
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Cages/Animal Runs
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Leashes and collars
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Brushes/grooming tools
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Pet beds
Donate a place in your home
Fostering a pet is not only a rewarding experience, but it’s a great way to help out your local shelter from the comfort of your own home. Learn more about fostering cats and dogs by Contacting Your local shelter.
Donate household items
Pet supplies aren’t the only supplies shelters need. Some other things that come in handy for shelters include:
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Cleaning supplies (call your shelter and ask what cleaning supplies it uses/needs)
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Old newspapers
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Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
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Old towels and blankets
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Hand sanitizer
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Office supplies
Donate pet food and litter
Shelters and rescue groups go through a lot of pet food and cat litter every day. You can buy pet food in bulk at wholesale stores and donate:
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Wet dog/cat food
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Dry dog/cat food
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Clumping cat litter
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Non-clay cat litter (for kittens and post-op cats)
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Dog/cat treats
Here’s Another Great Idea, One That Many Never Thought Of...
Donate part of your wedding or event registry
Getting married or throwing a big party? I bet you don’t need those fancy china plates or the glass vase that’ll just sit in a cabinet collecting dust. Instead, have your shelter set up a registry page so guests can donate to the shelter rather than purchasing a customary wedding gift. It’s a rewarding experience for you, the shelter and your guests and it’s a great way to remember the meaning of your wedding!
