How to Donate to a Pet Shelter

Every pet lover wants to help out local pet shelters. Oddly enough, many people think that the only way to donate to a pet shelter is to give money. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While money is an essential need, there are several ways you can donate to a pet shelter. Even those with little money to spare can provide something their favorite shelter needs. If you’re unsure how to donate to your favorite shelter, follow these easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Donate supplies. Pet shelters always need supplies. The exact supplies they need will depend on what everyone else has donated. If you’re unsure of what supplies to donate, call the shelter and ask them what they need. This helps avoid donating unneeded supplies. A shelter may have all the dog food they need for several months, but may be low on treats or toys.

2. Give money for needed supplies. Money is often needed more than supplies because it allows the shelter to buy exactly what they are lacking. This money isn’t just needed for supplies. Shelters need money to pay for operations and utilities. The items most people take for granted are the expenses and most shelters struggle with them..

3. Volunteer at the shelter. Many pet shelters are non-profit organizations. This means they must count on volunteers to do most of the work. It’s impossible to pay the amount of people needed to run a shelter. If you have free hours throughout the week, take that time and donate it. You could spend time walking dogs or feeding cats. There are a number of jobs to do and your help would be greatly appreciated.

4. Turn your home into a foster home. No-kill shelters have trouble finding enough space for pets. This means that they sometimes have to turn animals away. When you make your home into a foster home, you allow more pets to get the help they need. Taking in just one animal can make a big difference.

5. Adopt a pet of your own. Why visit a fancy pet store when you can adopt a pet? This is not only a wonderful way to donate to a shelter, but it’s a great way to bring love into your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Never donate inferior products. They may be less expensive, but they aren’t good for animals. Donate what you would feed to your pet.
• When adopting pets, don’t just focus on puppies and kittens. Older animals make wonderful pets as well.
• Seek out no-kill shelters for your donations.
• Donating to a shelter that euthanizes animals only helps promote those practices.

[2spots]

on 11/1/2008 Excellent article and very accurate!

[2spots]

on 11/1/2008 Excellent article and very accurate!

[2spots]

on 11/1/2008 Excellent article and very accurate!