How to Donate Time and Items to Animal Organizations for the Holidays

The holidays are all about giving, so although giving to an animal organization year round is wonderful, the holiday season is an especially great time to donate. Whether you give time or items, chances are they will be able to make use of whatever you can offer. Even if you don't have much time or money, you can still make a huge difference.

Money

An animal organization can always use money in any denomination that you can afford. Some completely rely on donations so whatever you can give does have an impact. It may also be tax deductible so keep track of your records if you want to use it for tax purposes.

Food

Some people try to donate opened bags of pet food but unfortunately, animal organizations typically aren't allowed to use them. If you want to donate food, it should be in unopened packaging. Make sure to first check the type of food the organization uses considering many stick to only one kind to prevent any change of food problems or other issues that may come up with the animals. If they are having an event where items are going to be sold, consider donating holiday inspired treats, such as candy cane shaped dog treats, that they can sell to raise money.

Toys

If you wish to donate toys to an animal organization, they should be brand new and unused. Some pet owners try to donate toys their pets have already used and, while appreciated, for sanitary reasons animal organizations typically cannot accept them.

Time

Many animal organizations usually need volunteers, however, during the holidays is when some hold special events such as photo taking with Santa. There may also be busier because of extra people coming in to pick out a new pet for a loved one as a holiday gift. Contact the organization and ask if they could use your help either at the location or at the event.

Special Skills and Services

If you have a special skill or service that may be of use to the animal organization, consider offering it for the holidays. For example, if you are a vet, offer up pro-bono surgery work. Website designers can revamp the organization's site for free and photographers can offer to take photos of the animals, either for the website or for an event held by the organization.

Fosters

The holidays are typically busy between parties, shopping and other obligations, however, fostering an animal even for a few days can make a big difference. It will give an animal extra love and a needed break for the holidays and can give you a companion while you care for him.

Although it might seem as though doing something small is like doing nothing at all, that is far from the truth. Even donating a dollar or two can buy several cans of cat food. Animal organizations typically try to get everything they can out of every dollar they get, especially if they rely solely on donations. Whatever you can do, especially around the holidays, is never too little.