Do you love animals and want to help your local shelter, but aren’t able to adopt? Are you short on time or short on funds but still want to do something for those fur babies in need? There are many things that you can do to donate to your local animal shelter that cost nothing or very little. Most animal shelters and pet rescues are dependent on donations and even little things can add up to a lot for the care of these precious pets.
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Before you donate, Contact Your Local Shelter
Since every shelter has different needs, it is a good idea to contact your local shelter before any donations are made. My local shelter is the Sanilac County Humane Society. They are a no-kill shelter and are always looking for donations of all kinds. My family and I try to donate to them as much as we can.
But how can you help your local shelter without spending a lot of money?
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Donate Items around your home that you already have
Shelters can use all types of items that you might have around your house. Shelters can use the following items in good used condition:
- blankets
- sheets
- pillows
- towels
- a crate or pet carrier
- old newspapers
- office equipment you no longer use
- a copier
- scanner
- fax machine
- laptop
- computer
- file cabinets
Shelters would put these items to good use.
Do you like to garage sale?
When you are out looking for that great find at your neighborhood garage or estate sales, pick up items that could be used in an animal shelter.
If you tell the seller the item is for a donation to the local animal rescue, they might reduce the price or even give it to you for free!
Are you someone who uses coupons?
You can use coupons to purchase supplies at a discount. Shelters are in constant need of cleaning supplies like
- laundry detergent
- bleach
- spray cleaners
- paper towels
- toilet paper
- trash bags
- dish soap
If you use it in your home, chances are animal shelters are using it too.
You might also be able to find coupons for
- pet food
- pet treats
- cat litter
- grooming supplies
When taking advantage of the “Back to School” supplies sales, pick up extra for shelters
When thinking of items needed for shelters you might not think of school or office supplies, but shelters need these items too! You can donate school supplies such as:
- pencils,
- pens
- paper
- notebooks
- post-it notes
- staples
- staplers
- copy paper
You can stock up on these items during the back to school sales and drop them off at your local shelter.
Get kids involved individually or with a club or organization
If kids are taught at an early age to care for those in their community, including pets, it can set a foundation for giving that can last a lifetime.
When I was my daughter’s Girl Scout leader, we did several pet food and supply drives for our local shelter. The girls embraced the idea of helping pets in their community.
You can suggest this idea to your child’s troop or club leader, especially if you are offering to help with the project.
If you have some time and want to do something to help as a family, shelters often need help with dog walking, cat petting, and even reading to pets. And if you have older kids, shelters need help
- washing out food and water bowls
- cleaning cages
- washing out stalls
- poop-scooping out in yards
If you are able to purchase some pet items, let your kids help pick them out. Children will have a deeper connection when they have a say about the items chosen. Let them pick out the pet toys, treats, collar or leash.
Take your kids with you when you drop these items off. Let your kids share in the joy of knowing they are helping pets in their community.
ThePuppyDogMomma.com
Get your work, church, club or organization involved
Ask members of your church or place of worship to bring a can of pet food to a service.
Make donating a bag of pet food the cost of entry to certain organization events or potlucks.
Ask if you can set up a donation box in the lobby of your place of employment. Add a sign to the donation box of items your local shelter needs.
Let others know how you are helping your local shelter. You might inspire others to help too!
You can also highlight pets that are up for adoption. Make sure to add the contact information of the shelter you are helping.
Use the pet services your local shelter provides
Many shelters offer pet services to the local community. Using these services not only helps you and your pet (many of their services might be offered at a discount), it will also help the shelter out as well.
My local shelter, the Sanilac County Human Society, is in the process of adding a new facility.
Their website states the new facility will provide “veterinary care, spay and neuter programs and a pet food pantry. Behavior training classes and animal education seminars will take place in a large training room that can double as a disaster relief safe zone for pets. Specialty programs like reading to a shelter pet will benefit both animals and our young people. A separate building on site will provide boarding services, pet daycare, full service grooming and self serve bathing stations. A fenced in dog park and walking path around the entire property will round out our plan to enrich the health and wellbeing of people and pets.”
How exciting to the pets and pet families in our community! I’m sure they would not be able to provide these services without the help of community member donations.
How to find a shelter to help and support
Whether it’s time or inexpensive donations, every bit of help goes a long way to a shelter pet. To find a shelter in your area you can, of course, just do a Google search.
If you would like to donate to my local no-kill shelter, their information is below. They would greatly appreciate your help!
Sanilac County Humane Society
3847 Sheldon Street
P.O. Box 27
Carsonville, MI 48419
Phone: 810-657-8962
Email: societypets@att.net
Website: sanilaccountyhumanesociety.org/
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Tell Me How You Are Helping Your Local Shelters. Leave your answer in the comment below.
Check out these other great pet care articles.
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