Animal shelters are fabulous resources—they provide critical care for animals, offer adoption services and often serve as hubs for education, community outreach and low-cost veterinary care.
Despite the vital role they play, many shelters are underfunded, understaffed and rarely in the spotlight because their teams are busy doing the hard, hands-on work of caring for animals. Spring and summer often stretch them even thinner—this is “kitten season,” when shelters see a surge in litters and an overflow of furry friends in need.
Adopt
Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? Start with your local shelter or rescue. Adoption not only gives an animal a second chance—it opens up space for another one in need. Browse online to see who’s available, learn about the adoption process and find a companion that’s a great fit for your home and lifestyle. You might just meet your new best friend.
Donate
Donations go a long way in helping shelters continue their essential work. Whether it’s a few dollars or a recurring gift, every contribution helps cover costs like food, crates, veterinary care, staff training and even marketing to get animals adopted. Many shelters also maintain wish lists for specific supplies—from blankets and toys to cleaning products and office equipment. Check their website or give them a call to find out what’s most needed. However you give, it’s always appreciated.
Volunteer
If you’re not in a position to adopt or donate, volunteer! This is a powerful way to make a difference. Many shelters rely on volunteers to help with day-to-day tasks like feeding, cleaning, walking dogs and socializing cats. But they also benefit from people with special skills—carpenters, graphic designers, writers, photographers, translators and other professionals who can support their mission in creative ways. If you have a talent or an idea, don’t hesitate to pitch it. Most shelters are thrilled to have enthusiastic people step in and help however they can.
Express Thanks
A simple “thank you” can go a long way. If your local shelter or rescue group helped you find a lost pet, connected you with your current furry companion or provided low-cost services like vaccinations or microchipping, let them know you appreciate it! Post a shoutout on social media, write a positive review or even send a handwritten note. Better yet, drop off coffee or snacks for the staff—a small gesture that can brighten a busy day. You can also share your positive experience with local officials to help raise awareness about the essential role shelters play in the community.
Be a Follower
Support your shelter with just a few clicks. Like and follow your local animal shelters and rescue groups on social media—then share their posts with your network. Engaging with their content helps boost visibility, which can lead to more adoptions, more donations and more community support. It’s an easy, everyday way to help animals find their way home.
Foster
Fostering a pet can be truly lifesaving—not just for the animal you take in, but for others still waiting for space at the shelter. Some animals struggle to adapt to shelter life or need extra care that staff simply can’t provide. That’s where foster homes make a difference. By temporarily opening your home, you give an animal a safe, stable environment to heal, grow and just be themselves. Fosters also play a key role in helping animals get adopted—you’ll learn their personalities, share their stories and maybe even match them with their future family. It’s a rewarding way to make a real impact without a long-term commitment.
Help Me Help You
One of the best ways to support shelters is by keeping your own pets safe and accounted for. Make sure they have up-to-date ID tags and are microchipped—it’s one of the fastest ways shelters can reunite lost pets with their people. Spaying and neutering your pets also reduces overcrowding in shelters and improves your pet’s long-term health. And don’t forget the leash! Keeping dogs leashed when off your property helps prevent accidents, lost pets and unexpected visits to the shelter.
Help Your Shelter Make Positive Changes
Want to make a lasting impact? Get involved at the policy level. Many shelters operate with limited funding or under outdated animal control laws that make their work harder than it needs to be. Reach out to your elected officials and advocate for the resources and reforms your shelter needs—whether that’s increased funding, updated facilities or more humane legislation. You can also connect with shelter staff and rescue groups to learn about their challenges and work together on solutions. If you have concerns about your local shelter, start by educating yourself on best practices and constructive ways to push for change.
