Helping Your Local Animal Shelter

Helping Your Local Animal Shelter

1 October 2018

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

I have recently been asked when is the best time to donate to an animal shelter. Local animal shelters are always in need, always. People seem to think that shelters only need help during natural disasters or other circumstances when animals get displaced, but shelters need your help, all the time.

Below is a list of ways you can help:

1.     Cash.

2.     Tangible donations: water and food bowls, pet beds, collars and leashes, food, cat litter, litter boxes, newspapers, and grooming supplies.

3.     Volunteer to walk dogs and pet cats.

4.     Share news, wish lists, and adoptable animals via your social media.

5.     Help in repairing facilities…for the handyperson!

6.     Foster an animal.

7.     Volunteer to transport pets to foster homes, adoption events, and medical appointments.

8.     Volunteer in any capacity that the shelter needs.

Call your local shelter and see what their needs are. They may need a person to take pictures for adoption, help with gathering donations, help with their budget. There are dozens of ways to help.

If you have any ideas of your own, share them with us!

Photo: Aurora Animal Shelter, City of Aurora