Creative Ways to Give Thanks to Animal Shelters

Last week was “National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week,” according to The Humane Society of the USA. November 4^th through the 12^th is a special time you can help some of the millions of homeless animals temporarily cared for in animal shelters throughout the country.

Read more about pet shelters here and learn how to help animals in need. We've gotten lots of heartfelt messages from people wondering how to help shelter animals. Adopting or rescuing animals in need isn't the only way to support stray pets in need. We know an adoption or rescue animal is not practical for every person reading this, yet you can still help those innocent dogs, cats and other animals by taking a few creative steps.

What You Can Do:

Donate blankets, toys and other comfort items to your local animal rescue. If you have feeding bowls or dishes, bedding or food, consider donating those as well. Most animal shelters are funded at minimal levels and every donation is helping animals. Check out your local Goodwill store, thrift store or Habitat for Humanity store – most major metro areas have at least one of these – and pick up a blanket or two. Your donation can make a big difference.

Volunteer at your local shelter. Many of the people you meet at a shelter are volunteers; you can be one of them! Offer your help in dog-walking, cat sitting, promoting the shelter, building a Facebook or web page or even doing handyman work around the facility. No matter what your skills and specialty, you can show your love for animals when you stand up and volunteer a few hours each week toward their welfare. If you can't figure out how to contact a shelter, simply google "I want to volunteer at an animal shelter," and find your local rescue shelter. Volunteers keep the lights on and help save animal shelters around the globe!

Throw an animal rescue theme party at your home. Invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, local businesses or your church congregation. Put together a simple flyer to announce the party and set a ticket price – perhaps just a few dollars to cover your cost of food, beverage and fun. Add enough to the ticket price so you'll have a surplus to donate to your local shelter. People love to win prizes, so adding gift cards or other inexpensive prizes to your event may encourage even better attendance. You can decide whether to raffle the prize, raising yet more money, or find another way to make the award. Your only limit in fund-raising is your own creativity.

Visit the Animal Rescue Site and click on the “Click here to give – it's Free” button. Working in concert with GreaterGood.org, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your click will provide half a bowl of food. Nothing could be easier. So click there every day!

This special week is important, but year-round support is needed! Don't let this week pass by without giving a small bit of help and time. Help the animals and help pet shelters! Every shelter is under-funded and your volunteering help, contributions, and donations provide comfort and safety to homeless animals. Still wondering, "how can I help animals?" Check out the Woods Humane Society, our featured pet rescue of the month!