How to Help Animal Shelters during COVID-19

There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on your community, which may include your local animal shelter. While animal welfare organizations continue to close or limit hours of operation, you may wonder what’s in store next. During times of uncertainty, there is nothing like the comfort of a furry friend. Read on to learn more about how to help animal shelters during COVID-19.

Nine tips on how to help animal shelters during a pandemic

Our Trupanion team members have a passion for animal welfare. From becoming a foster to volunteering, our team members give some tips on how to help animal welfare organizations within your community.

1.Volunteer

Animal shelters may be closed to the public, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have volunteers on-site. If you’re healthy, consider becoming a volunteer to help those animals in need.

2. Foster

Animal shelters may try to clear space by setting up pets with foster parents. Also, some shelters have virtual training in place to help this process go smoothly. Consider your home environment, schedule, and availability. Chances are there’s a local dog or cat that would love to keep you company!

3. Drop off donations

Donations like towels, blankets, and dog or cat food may be very welcome. However, reach out to the animal shelter to see if they’re open and are accepting donations at this time.

4.Check in on your neighbors

In tough economic times, more pets may be surrendered. Consider checking in on your neighbors by phone or email to see if they need pet supplies. We’re in this together.

5.Monetary donations

A good deal of fundraising events are being canceled and shelters may struggle to give pets the same level of support. If you’re in a good place and are looking for alternatives to help animal shelters, consider a financial contribution.

6.Subscribe to their newsletter

The shelter may not know what they need from the public yet, although once they do they’ll be sure to broadcast their request. Consider sharing the animal shelter’s newsletter with your network.

7.Follow your local animal shelter on social media

Even if you can’t give or donate during this time, someone in your social network may be able to help. Consider following your local animal shelter and share their social posts. The power of social media can truly make an impact on the animal welfare community.

8.Share your own shelter success stories

Post to your animal shelter’s page or leave a review about the impact they’ve made in your life. Spread some cheer and let others know how much they mean to you.

9.Listen to CDC recommendations

The fastest way to slow the impact to the shelters is to minimize the risk of catching and transmitting COVID-19. In fact, staying at home and shelter-in-place can make quite an impact during this pandemic.

Give back to those furry friends in your community

Whether you choose to foster or share your story on social media, there are many ways to give back to your local animal shelter. Consider what works best for you and your family. And if you have the chance to open up your home to a dog or cat in need, the benefits are limitless!

What are some of your favorite ways to help animal shelters in your community?

To learn more about how to foster, read Five Reasons to Foster a Cat