Ways To Help When You Can't Adopt

You want to help the local shelter or rescue group but you already have two dogs and four cats. Or you don't have any pets because you live in a tiny apartment where pets aren't allowed. Whatever your situation may be, there are more ways to help than adopting.

Do you have old blankets, sheets or even sweatshirts lying in the back of your closet? Donate them to the shelter. They make wonderful bedding for dogs and cats.

Did you buy a new brand of dog food that your pooch absolutely detests? Don't throw it out. Give it to the local shelter or rescue group.

Each shelter has a wish list of items they need. Some of the common items needed by shelters and rescue include: canned and dry dog and cat food, cat litter, leashes and collars, toys, cleaning supplies and office supplies.

By talking to the shelter manager and staff, or going on the shelters site, you may find that their needs match up with your extras or items, such as an old dog cage, your friends or family members want to give away. Shelters and rescues also need help with publicity. Offer to make and distribute fliers around town. If you have a computer at home with Internet access, you can help animal groups update their pet lists on Pet Finder by entering information about available animals or take pictures for the web site.

Many groups also need volunteers for adoption days. Adoption days create exposure for the shelter or rescue as well as facilitate adoptions.

If you want to work with animals, stop by a shelter and offer to take a dog for a walk. A more socialized dog is much more likely to find a home. Take a brush and some no-rinse shampoo and give a dog or cat a makeover; this also enhances their chances at adoption.

If you want to donate money but feel your bank account can't stomach a hefty withdrawal, label a tin can and put your spare change in it. You can put one at work and get your co-workers to donate as well. Then bring the money to the shelter or use it to buy some dog toys or cat treats.

There are so many ways to help animals that take only a few minutes or a few dollars at a time, but they make so much of a difference in animals' lives.

Contributed by Sandy Koehler, a volunteer for Sayrebrook Adoption Center, based on her experiences volunteering for local shelters and rescue groups.