How to help animal shelters: Nine ways you can do it

There are an estimated 3,500 animal shelters in the United States alone that take in over 6 million dogs and cats each year. Unfortunately, less than half of these animals in need ever find homes, but shelters still need funding to support them. The good news is that there are many ways to help shelters, from volunteering at a local shelter to fundraising for animal charities. We can all help animals in need; learn more about how to help animal shelters below.

Nine ways to help animal shelters

There are many ways to help local animal shelters year-round. Donating, volunteering and even crowdfunding are all ways to help animal shelters. Let's take a look at nine great ways you can help animal shelters and how online fundraising can help amplify your impact.

1. Support spay/neuter programs

Overpopulation is a growing problem and can be significantly reduced by spaying and neutering animals. If the stray animal population is not controlled, some animals may need to be euthanized. Start fundraising to support animal spay/neuter programs and share your fundraising campaign on social media to spread your cause.

A similar campaign is Spay Neuter for Stray Animals . Second Life Foundation is raising funds for the spay/neuter of homeless animals.

2. Sponsor an animal

One generous way to help animal rescue is by sponsoring an animal. Your donation will go towards food and supplies and can help with veterinary bills for the dog, cat or other animals you sponsor. A sponsorship donation helps alleviate some of the costs faced by your local animal shelter by allowing them to make the most of every dollar. Share your idea with family and friends and ask if they would like to sponsor their own shelter animal.

3. Organize a virtual adoption event

The best way to host an adoption event is by partnering with local animal shelters. By contacting and working with a rescue group, they can help you decide what would be the best type of event and organize it.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, many rescue groups are canceling in-person adoption events and switching to holding alternative adoption meetings. If you can't do an in-person event, ask the rescue if you can help with virtual events or coordinate adoption meetings. Animals can be posted on the organization's website with a photo or video. From there, anyone interested in adopting one of the posted pets can submit an application and an in-person adoption appointment can be arranged.

4. Fundraising to adopt a pet

Adopting a pet can be expensive. Any animal adopted from a shelter must also be spayed and neutered, and have current photos. Starting a fundraising campaign to help with the cost of adoption can be a great way to help animals find new homes while also freeing up space in shelters. You can contact rescue organizations and ask if there are any costs you could help with that are barriers to adoption.

5. Raise money for shelter

Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise money for shelters. Some of the most important supplies for animal shelters include dog and cat food, kitten litter, chlorine bleach to stop the spread of disease, and collapsible wire crates for transporting animals. Be specific when asking for donations, and provide a breakdown of costs. Include typical supply costs in your list of donations to animal shelters so donors know exactly how and where they can contribute. Additionally, keep in mind that rescue organizations need things like blankets, beds, towels and other supplies throughout the year.

6. Raise money for new gear

New and improved facilities can make a big difference in the quality of life for homeless animals. New facilities are designed with efficiency in mind and can usually accommodate more animals than older shelters. Many new shelters also include indoor and outdoor exercise areas for dogs and cats. Start a fundraiser to secure animal shelter funding and get your local government involved. Write to local officials explaining why a new shelter is needed, and collect public signatures in addition to donations.

7. Start a charity campaign to raise funds for veterinary care

If you are trying to find another way to help, consider starting a fundraising campaign to cover expensive medical procedures for homeless animals. Many homeless animals need veterinary care and sometimes that means expensive surgery. By starting a campaign to raise funds for surgery costs or other medical needs, you can make a huge difference in a rescued animal's quality of life. Your donation may even increase the chances of adoption, as animals with medical issues are more difficult to adopt.

An example of such a campaign is Save Flynn's Leg. He needed an arthrodesis to fix his leg in the correct position so he could move again.

8. Volunteer your time for charity

Get out there and make a real difference by volunteering. Local shelters and rescue organizations are constantly in need of dedicated volunteers. Volunteer duties include socializing dogs and cats, taking dogs for walks, cleaning kennels and feeding animals, and helping with the adoption process. You can also volunteer as a foster parent to provide a loving, temporary home for shelter or rescue animals.

If your local rescue or shelter is unable to accept volunteers in person due to COVID-19, ask if they could use online or remote volunteers. Sending mailings, writing newsletters, posting on social media and much more can be done remotely from a computer.

9. Start an animal rescue campaign

The COVID-19 global pandemic has put a strain on everyone, which means less attention and donations to rescue organizations that do important national and international animal rescue work. If your local shelters have the support you need, look for organizations across the country or globally that may be in dire need of help.

Check out our blog and our other animal-related articles:

• How to save animals: creative ways to make a difference (pavelandreev.org)
• What do we need to know when we want to create a campaign to help animals and shelters?
• Homeless dogs and cats need us!

Start a campaign now on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Start helping animals today

Knowing how to help shelters is the first step to making a difference in the lives of homeless pets. This year, you can help animals by donating or fundraising for your favorite animal charity or cause. By making a donation to a local shelter or rescue, you can provide much needed support to these organizations that are doing great things for homeless pets. Contact me to start your own charity campaign related to our beloved pets.