How you can help your local animal shelters

Animal shelters across the country work tirelessly to care for abandoned, lost, abused, and surrendered pets. But with limited funding, overcrowded facilities, and staff burnout, shelters often struggle to meet the overwhelming need. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional rescuer or have deep pockets to make a real impact. Every small act of support matters—and here’s how you can help.

1. Foster or Adopt a Shelter Pet

One of the most direct ways to help is by fostering or adopting. Fostering provides animals with a safe, loving home temporarily, easing the strain on shelter space and helping pets become more adoptable. Adoption, of course, offers a forever home to a pet in need. Visit Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet to see animals available in your area, or contact your local humane society directly.

2. Donate Supplies or Money

Shelters are always in need of basic supplies like food, litter, cleaning products, and blankets. Monetary donations are also vital—they allow shelters to provide medical care, spay/neuter services, and emergency treatment. Most shelters have wish lists posted on their websites or Amazon. Even a small monthly donation can make a big difference. You can also look into platforms like GreaterGood that channel donations into specific shelter programs.

3. Volunteer Your Time and Talents

If you can spare a few hours a week, consider volunteering. From walking dogs and cleaning kennels to helping with fundraising or photography, shelters rely heavily on volunteer power. Not sure where to begin? Reach out to your nearest SPCA, municipal animal shelter, or check VolunteerMatch for local opportunities.

4. Use Your Voice and Platform

Advocating for animal welfare is as important as hands-on help. Share adoptable animals on social media, write letters to local lawmakers about improving shelter policies, or host a small fundraiser through Facebook or platforms like Zeffy that support nonprofits with no transaction fees. Your voice can amplify awareness and bring in new supporters.

5. Support Spay/Neuter and TNR Efforts

One of the most effective ways to prevent overcrowding is by reducing unwanted litters. Support or participate in spay/neuter events and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for community cats. Many organizations like Alley Cat Allies provide educational materials and local resources to help you get involved.