how to donate to local animal shelters

Betty White Challenge: How you can participate and donate to your local animal shelter

1. Donate money. Check out websites for the shelters in your area, most will have a link where you can donate money. ...
2. Donate items. Animal shelters take donations of all types, including items like blankets, detergent, food, treats, collars, leashes, and indestructible toys.
3. Volunteer. ...
4. Adopt a pet. ...

Full Answer

How does a volunteer add value to an animal shelter?

Feb 14, 2020 · 12 Items to Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter Unopened Pet Food. Keep those kibble bags sealed before heading off to donate. Raised Cot Bed. Cleaning Supplies. Shredded Office Paper + Newspaper. New Cat + Dog Toys. Gentle Leads + Leashes. Office Supplies. Window-Mounted Cat Bed.

How to volunteer at your local animal shelter?

Dec 30, 2021 · One of the simplest ways to help your local animal shelter is to donate money. Many shelters have a donation button right on their website. Click the button, choose the amount you want to donate and save your receipt for tax time. Some shelters even allow you to set up recurring payments so you can donate every month. Another way to donate money is to attend …

How to raise money for an animal shelter?

2. Donate. Every animal shelter and rescue organization has bills to pay and your generous monetary donation will be gratefully accepted. Donations may be used to help cover the costs of daily operations, supplies, staff training, animal housing upgrades, community outreach programs, animal enrichment and much more. 3.

How does volunteering at an animal shelter help the community?

Buy a bag of premium dog or cat food from BOGO Bowl, and the company will donate a bag of food to a shelter, rescue group or pet pantry. DONATE: BOGO Bowl. Raised Cot Bed. Ensure that shelter pups snooze soundly on raised cot bed, like picture above. The Animal Humane Society requests specific donations of the Kuranda bed for their shelter.

How can I help a local animal shelter?

Ten ways to help your local shelter or rescueAdopt a pet. If you've been thinking that it's time to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group. ... Donate. ... Volunteer. ... Say thanks. ... Become a fan. ... Get crafty. ... Make wishes come true. ... Become a foster.More items...

How do I donate money to a local animal shelter?

You may donate by cash, check, or credit card by visiting one of our local animal shelters, or you can mail a money order or check to the Administrative Office, payable to LA Animal Services, 221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 600, Mail Stop #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

What do animal rescues need most?

General Supplies:Towels/blankets/washcloths.Newspaper.Wire pet crates of any size.Baby gates.Pet leashes of all sizes.Pet collars of all sizes.Stainless steel food and water bowls.Dry and wet dog food.More items...•Jun 9, 2016

What are the things I can donate to animal shelters?

8 Things You Can Donate To Animal Shelters That You Probably Already HaveUnopened Food Or Treats. (Picture Credit: Glow Wellness/Getty Images) ... Leashes, Collars, And Harnesses. ... Sturdy Toys. ... Sheets, Blankets, Or Towels. ... Organization And Cleaning Supplies. ... Office Supplies. ... Metal Crates Or Carriers. ... Certain Furniture Items.

What is the best animal society to donate to?

The Top 15 Best Animal Charities in 2021Best Friends Animal Society.ASPCA.Animal Welfare Institute.Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.International Fund for Animal Welfare.Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.Alley Cat Allies.The Marine Mammal Center.More items...•Jun 16, 2021

What has Betty White done for animals?

She was later named an honorary zookeeper by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. She also started numerous charities, including a fund that does research on wildlife disasters, like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and 2020′s wildfires in Australia.Jan 17, 2022

What are 3 of the main reasons animals end up in shelters?

Why Do Animals End Up in Animal Shelters?Moving.Landlord does not allow pet.Too many animals in household.Cost of pet maintenance.Owner having personal problems/illness/death.Inadequate facilities.No homes available for litter mates.Having no time for pet.More items...

Are donations to animal shelters tax deductible?

Can I claim donations made to animal charities? Yes, you can.Feb 16, 2022

What can I do with my old dog bed?

If you plan on donating all or some of your pet's belongings, look for an animal shelter or rescue organization. These places are often underfunded and badly in need of items such as food bowls, leashes, beds, toys, brushes, etc. By donating to an animal shelter you are helping a good cause and very deserving animals.

What do animal shelters do?

Why Are Animal Shelters Important? They provide animals with food, water, and medical care; protection from the elements; relief from suffering; and a caring human presence. Many times, these animals would have nowhere else to turn.

What kind of dog food do Shelters use?

You don't have to donate pet food specifically; you can also donate things like peanut butter, canned tuna, hot dogs, fresh vegetables, etc. Even meat-based baby food is a good choice since shelters often mix it with dry dog food.

Do Rspca accept duvets?

We also need sheets, towels, blankets and duvets to use as animal bedding and in caring for the animals. Please bring your unwanted bedding and towels along so that we can put them to good use.

What is the story of the old jeans that the senior center brought to the animal shelter?

Blandford recalls a heartwarming story where she collected old jeans, and then brought them to the senior center where they then made toys for an animal shelter. This is a win-win situation, as the seniors helping can feel great about doing something for someone else, and the animals at the pet shelters will have new toys to play with.

How long does it take to foster a pet?

Fostering a pet, usually for a 2-month period , helps increase the chances of adoption and frees up space at shelters for other animals in need. Fostering a pet can also show the animals that they’re loved and gives people a better evaluation of the animal.

What can shelters use to treat ticks?

Close quarters mean that a minor issue can get out of hand quickly without the right treatments. They can also use your extra grooming tools like combs and brushes, scissors and trimmers.

What do dog parents need for cleaning?

They need everything from paper towels and ordinary cleaning supplies to laundry supplies (particularly bleach), to mops, sponges, and broom.

Why do dogs use daily paper?

Not only do the papers provide an easier way to keep enclosures sanitary, but it also offers a bit of padding for the dogs to walk on in their areas. Plus, they become dirty quickly and so are changed often.

Can shelters recognize donations?

Sometimes shelters have special recognition programs for certain donation levels. If you are working to organize a group donation, the same thing applies. Contacting the shelter you want to donate to in a loved ones name is the best bet.

Can you donate stuffed animals to shelters?

If you do donate stuffed animals, make sure they have no rips or tears and are new or have been washed and dried.

Can shelters take dogs on walks?

Your local shelter would be happy to take these items. Shelters like to take dogs out on walks when they can. This means they need collars, harnesses, and leashes. Make sure to run any used items through the wash and check to make sure they are in good condition before you donate.

Do shelters use crates?

But the ride can be scary when you don’t know where you’re going. So, for their safety, shelters always use crates and carriers to transport the dogs. If you have a crate or carrier that is in good condition, consider donating it to your local shelter.

What is a donation to an animal shelter?

Donations may be used to help cover the costs of daily operations, supplies, staff training, animal housing upgrades, community outreach programs, animal enrichment and much more.

What do shelters need?

Shelters and rescue groups always need towels, toys and other supplies. Check their websites for wishlists; if they don’t have one, call them to find out what's in short supply and offer to create an online wishlist for them.

How to keep cats and dogs safe?

Make the jobs of shelters and rescues easier: Outfit your cats and dogs with collars and proper ID (a microchip and ID tags) at all times. As soon as you bring them into your family, have all of your pets spayed or neutered. Keep your cats indoors, where you can keep them safe (though it's great to take them on walks if they are comfortable on a harness and leash or provide them a catio for safe outdoor enrichment) and keep dogs on leashes when off your property.

How to show appreciation for animals?

1. Adopt a pet. If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group. Search for available cats and dogs near you at ...

What is a foster home?

Foster homes are the backbone of many rescue groups— without a strong network of foster providers, rescue groups simply could not take in as many animals. Foster homes can also become adoption ambassadors to friends, family and colleagues who otherwise may not visit the shelter. If you already have pets of your own, ...

Is foster care overrated?

The value of fosters can't be overrated. They can be lifesavers for pets who can't adapt to shelter life, those who need to be nursed back to health and orphaned kittens who need someone to step in for their mom (or whose needs are beyond what busy shelter staff can often provide).

How to support local animal shelters?

The best way to support your local animal shelter is undoubtedly to adopt a pet. Adoptions are the end goal of any shelter—it’s any shelter or rescue organization’s number one mission to connect animals in need to their forever homes. When adopting, consider some of the oft-overlooked populations in animal shelters, like senior pets or cats and dogs with special needs. But if adoption is not in the cards for your family at the moment, there are plenty of other ways to show your support.

What do animal shelters need?

Animal shelters are almost always in need of towels and toys, but additional needs can vary based on the time or season. Pet food, cat litter, and cleaning supplies top the list of other desired supplies. Some animal shelters will post a current wishlist to their website or social media platforms; the Greater Birmingham Humane Society even has an Amazon wishlist to make donation as easy as possible—just click “Add to Cart” and the items will deliver directly to the shelter’s address. Think of it like a wedding registry for your favorite charitable cause.

What to do if you can't host an animal?

Positions can range from walking, bathing, and training dogs to doing laundry or serving as a community ambassador through education programs.

How many animals end up in shelters each year?

But according to the Humane Society, “6-8 million animals end up in shelters each year, half of which will probably not be adopted.”. Most of these animals fall into homelessness through no fault of their own; the Humane Society cites “moving” and “landlord issues” as the top two reasons that families give up their pets.

What is the end goal of adoption?

Adoptions are the end goal of any shelter—it’s any shelter or rescue organization’s number one mission to connect animals in need to their forever homes. When adopting, consider some of the oft-overlooked populations in animal shelters, like senior pets or cats and dogs with special needs. But if adoption is not in the cards for your family at ...

Is foster care overrated?

According to the Humane Society, “The value of fosters can't be overrated. They can be lifesavers for pets who can't adapt to shelter life, those who need to be nursed back to health and orphaned kittens who need someone to step in for their mom (or whose needs are beyond what busy shelter staff can often provide).”.

Does the Greater Birmingham Humane Society have a wishlist?

Some animal shelters will post a current wishlist to their website or social media platforms; the Greater Birmingham Humane Society even has an Amazon wishlist to make donation as easy as possible— just click “Add to Cart” and the items will deliver directly to the shelter’s address.