EASY ways to MAKE A DOGGO DIFFERENCE

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Adoption and fostering are so incredibly awesome but if you are not in a position to take one into your home there are so many other ways to open your heart to make a difference in rescue animal's lives.

Animal rescue organizations are always in need of many supplies to be able to provide for the growing number of homeless animal populations that they house, care for and love. Below are some ideas of how you can give back from monetary donations to items right in your home that are in high demand at shelters. All of these ideas assist the animal rescue organization of your choice to continue to provide much needed love to rescues with less stress on their tight budgets. 

Donate household items! 

🐶Remember all the adorable puppy toys and accessories you got for your fur baby? If they have outgrown some put those items to good use now. Any gently used accessories are typically needed items and welcomed at most rescue organizations. From toys, bowls, beds, leashes, collars, crates, nursing bottles and pretty much everything in between. And what a wonderful pay it forward tribute for your remembered pet. Durability is key!

🐶Updating your bath linens? Your old towels and even wash cloths are great because they can be used for bedding, cage lining and cleaning.

🐶Blankets and sheets serve as comphy beds and help to keep animals warm. Have a tattered sweatshirt or fleece? Those make cozy beds and covers too!

🐶Downsizing and getting rid of storage bins or sturdy shelves the held all the stuff you finally realize you no longer need? Storage bins and shelves are items that help shelters stay organized and can help with space issues that are sometimes limited.

🐶Have a lot of office supplies like pens, paperclips, staplers, electronics or other office supplies that you don’t need. The shelters office staff may be able to use so they don’t have to use budget money.

🐶Getting rid of a couch or chair? Can the cushions be donated to use as beds?

🐶Newspaper can be used to line the bottom of cages. Quickly disposable and easy to keep fresh

Other ways to donate! 

🐶Monetary donations are always needed and most organizations allow credit card donations too! Better yet set up a recurring donation if possible. A $5 bi-weekly payroll automatic donation equals $130 annually and you don’t need to think about and it’s easier than one lump sum.

🐶Like to drive? Both Zelda and Delha were found in West Virginia but transported to New York and Delaware respectively. It could be a few hours drive from county to county or if you love road trips volunteer for an all out adventure driving across state lines to save those fur babies!

🐶Handy with a camera? Donate your time and talent to take cute pictures of the rescues to help get them adopted. Ask for photo credits to get your name around too!

🐶Start a donation pool with family and friends requesting if they have any of the items in their household they are looking to purge.

🐶Start a returnable can collection at work or school and donate the deposit money.

🐶Participate in local fundraisers and hit your family and friends up for small donations that will add up quickly when combined.

🐶Volunteer as a pet walker or to help with some other tasks the shelter needs help with from being on a board of directors, sitting on committees or participating in and promoting their events. Some organizations even have post-surgery snuggle positions or programs that support literacy where kids come and read to the animals for comfort. Better yet if they don’t have these programs start a movement to get one going.

🐶Are you social on social media? Share those adoption posts around to help uniting hoomans to their fur babies. 

🐶Are you info techy? Those techy skills abilities are in high demand and needed now more than ever for a strong digital reach to get adoptable pets seen and keep successful fundraising efforts going.

Make sure any donations are safe for our furry friends. Avoid:

🐶     toys or anything that breaks down easily

🐶     donations that include squeaky or small plastics that can be swallowed

🐶     all donations edible or otherwise, that may be toxic or unsafe. Items such as lower fat or sugar free edibles (such as peanut butter or yogurt) can contain ingredients harmful to animals.

When donating suggested household items such as newspapers look on your animal rescue organization's website or contact them via phone or email to confirm their needs. When donating gently used items and thoroughly cleaned / disinfected.