Nine Tips for Helping Animal Shelters

By: Alyssa Little

There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on all of our communities—which increasingly includes your local animal shelters. 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.

A woman reaches out her hand to a kitten in a large crate

Nine tips on how to help animal shelters

From fostering dozens of cats over the years to becoming a board member of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, Katy Thweatt has a passion for the animal welfare organizations within her community. Keep reading for nine tips from Thweatt on how to help animal welfare organizations in your community.

1. Volunteer

Many animal shelters may be closed to the public (except by appointment), 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 welcome and appreciated. However, be sure to reach out to the animal shelter in your community 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 all in this together.

5. Monetary donations

A good number of fundraising events are being canceled every day and shelters may struggle to give pets the same level of support, as in pre-pandemic days. If you’re in a good place (financially) and are looking for alternatives to help animal shelters, consider a monetary 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 can make quite an impact as the pandemic rounds into its third year.

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!