If you’re an animal lover, you’ve already thought about ways you can help the homeless dogs in your area. But between work, family, and all of life’s other responsibilities, you simply don’t have time to spend your evenings, weekends, and afternoons volunteering at the shelter.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Volunteers play a major role in how shelters operate, but they don’t do it all. If you’re determined to support your local shelter but are out of ideas, it’s time to think outside the box. Here are a few easy ways to help that will make a big difference to dogs in need.
# 1 – Donate
Shelters always accept monetary donations, but that isn’t all you can do. Donations of usable goods are always a welcome sight. Towels, crates, treats, toys, and cleaning supplies take up permanent spaces on shelter wish lists. The next time you’re at the store, throw a few extra items in your cart. Most shelters also maintain Amazon Wish Lists so you can see exactly what they need most.
# 2 – Shop With Amazon Smile
Amazon Smile is a super simple way to give back to your shelter. All you have to do is go to smile.amazon.com, pick out what you want for yourself, buy it, and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate .5% of the price to an eligible organization of your choosing. It’s really that easy.
#3 – Get On Social Media
Many shelters have turned toward social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, to spread the word about their adoptable animals. You can do your part to help by following your local shelter’s social media pages and sharing their posts. The more people who see their pictures and posts, the better their chances are of getting animals adopted.
#4 – Get Crafty
If you don’t have money to donate, you can use your crafting skills to create handmade toys, bandannas, and blankets for shelter animals. If you need inspiration, a quick Google search should do the trick. This is also a great way to get kids involved. The animals won’t care about quality craftsmanship, and every homemade item helps. Need help getting started? Check out Wrapped In Love – Group Of Crafters Change The Lives Of Rescue Pets Through Love And Kindness.
#5 – Throw a Party
In lieu of birthday or wedding gifts, consider asking your guests to donate money and other items to your local shelter. It’s a great way to get your friends and family involved and be honest, you don’t really need that fancy toaster. It doesn’t even need to be a special occasion, supporting shelter animals is always a good reason to throw a party.
Don’t let your busy schedule keep you from helping the homeless dogs and cats in your area. There are countless ways you can make a difference, and many of them take only a few minutes of your time. Call your local shelter to ask exactly how you can help. See what happened when these Newlyweds Skip Traditional Wedding Gifts & Ask For Shelter Donations Instead.
Featured Image Source: Facebook/ Hawaiian Humane Society
Toledo, United States.
