Ways that You Can Help Your Local Animal Shelter

You love animals, dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets and everything else. But you can't adopt them all! There are many ways you can help your local animal shelter besides adopting when the time is right to add to your family. Here are some ideas. Remember, everything you do is very much appreciated.

1. Donate Money - give money if you have it to spare or hold a bake sale, car wash or other fundraiser to get some. Donate the proceeds from your garage sale or ask for donations instead of birthday presents or wedding presents. Get creative with the fundraising process. It is much easier to collect spare change from many people than to get large donations from a few donors.

2. Donate Time - if you have the inner strength it takes, help at the shelter. Clean cages, mop floors, walk dogs. Ask the staff what they need the most, and then do it. Yes, it's hard, but if you are one of the special people who can smile and do the job you can make a big difference. Even a couple hours once a month helps and is 100% more than most people volunteer.

3. Donate supplies - dog food, cat food, treats, litter, toys blankets, bleach, cleaning supplies and equipment. Call the shelter and ask what they need most. Use coupons or look for free after rebate items in the Sunday paper to get some cheap or free supplies to donate. Ask for donations in your neighborhood or make a donation box and set it up at work. Some stores will donate their damaged bags of food or discontinued products. See if you can help pick these up and deliver them to the shelter.

4. Spread the Word - Tell your family, friends and everyone you meet about the great animals waiting for a home. Some people simply don't think to look at the animal shelter for a pet. Offer to go with your friends to look around. Tell people about your shelter pet and how you found each other.

5. Speak out on animal welfare issues - Write letters to the editor, speak to civic groups or start a blog about the importance of Spay and Neuter, adopting shelter animals, avoiding breeders and puppy mills or how to provide basic care for dogs and cats.

6. Adopt locally - there are dogs and cats in need in every community. You don't have to drive across the country to adopt the perfect pet. Consider adopting a dog who needs you, rather than a dog that is a certain color or breed. The Best Breed is a dog in Need

7. Support companies that help animals- Vote with your pocketbook by purchasing products from companies who support shelters, provide funds for spay and neuter and who make cruelty free products. Avoid products from companies who advertise at dog shows, give perks to breeders to contribute to the pet overpopulation problem, and who perform cruel tests on animals.

8. Buy the book Priceless Memories by Bob Barker- All proceeds provide spay and neuter services for families who need help fixing their pets. It's a great book too.