Giving Back to Your Local Animal Shelter This Holiday Season
‘Tis the season to give back to your community and there is no better place to start than at your local animal shelter. Pet shelters have lots of needs to stay running so that the animals that need to get off the street and into their furever homes. If you’re looking for a way to volunteer or donate, we’ve got 5 ways you can help give back to your local animal shelter this holiday season.
Donate. If you’re running short on time but you have the financial ability, think about donating directly to an animal shelter or organization. Donations have a huge impact on shelters since they are mostly run by volunteers; so every little bit helps. If you’re wondering how you can donate directly to a shelter, check out these options:
Find their wish list or Amazon list and buy one or a couple things and have it sent directly to the shelter or take it yourself to drop off
Cleaning supplies and office supplies can be overlooked sometimes, but are definitely always welcomed
Send gift cards for the staff to choose what they need for the shelter
You can make a monetary donation on their website
Sponsor a shelter pet’s boarding or medical costs
Drop off new and or gently used blankets and towels, toys, pet food and treats year round
Volunteer. If you’re a little low on funds or it’s just not in the budget this year, you can always donate by giving a shelter some of your time with volunteering. You can interact directly with the animals by walking, bathing, grooming, petting and playing or shelters also need help with administrative tasks, organizing projects and cleaning. Another option for volunteering is to offer your unique set of skills: photography, grooming, office managing, accounting and graphic design are just a couple of skills that shelters can always use when it comes to advocating, marketing and just day-to-day business items. Also think about donating your time to helping with adoption events or taking part in fundraising for a particular animal shelter as well.
Show Appreciation. Yes, a shelter is all about the animals that come and go BUT a shelter is really nothing without the staff that help run it. Making sure the staff know that they are doing a great job is a wonderful way to help raise morale and keep spirits bright during the holidays when things can be extra overwhelming. Send in some goodies, make some special thank you cards, create a holiday basket or simply let them know how much they are appreciated through email or a walk in conversation.
Social Media. Follow, like, share and repeat! Social media is a huge way to get your local shelter's name out to the community and share information to everyone. Use your twitter, Instagram or Facebook to follow, like and share posts of available pets or events that can help sponsor them. You never know when one of your friends is looking for a new furry friend!
Foster. Most shelters are staffed entirely by volunteers and during the holidays, shelter staff become busy traveling and taking off for the holidays. Reaching out to a local shelter to help foster a pet for the holidays (or even beyond!) can take a huge weight off of a local shelter's shoulders. If you find yourself home for the holidays or staying local, check into fostering a furry friend to not just help out the shelter but to give a dog or cat some hope in finding their furever home someday.
If you’re looking for an animal shelter to help this holiday season or at any season, you can start your search with these local Lancaster ones:
Centerville Pet Rescue
Humane League of Lancaster County
SPCA Lancaster Center
Furever Home Adoption Center
If you’re wondering how to give back to your pet this holiday season, then look no further! Give them the gift of a local dog walker to get them out and about while you have to be away. Going Mutts Pet Services covers everything from daily walks, to pet sitting to check-ins to make sure your pet gets out for a potty break or a food and water refresher. Give them the gift that keeps giving them their exercise by contacting us for a free Meet ‘n Greet today!
