How to Help Animal Shelters?
It takes so little to make a big difference for animals in shelters. Even if you can’t adopt a dog or cat, there are many ways to improve their lives — sometimes just a few minutes of your time can help. Here's how you can support shelters:
Financial Support
This is the most common way to help. Every donation, even the smallest one, matters. Shelters use funds for food, medical care, and daily operations. Every penny counts!
Material Donations
Few people know that newspapers are like gold in shelters! Old, black-and-white dailies are perfect for lining cat cages and litter boxes — instead of throwing them away, donate them.
Other highly needed items include:
- Dry and wet food, especially for seniors and sick animals
- Safe toys for puppies
- Large sealed containers for food storage
- Collars, flea/tick treatments, shampoos
- Post-surgery pet clothes
- Vitamins, disinfectants
- Blankets, towels, pillowcases
- Cat litter (bentonite, non-clumping, unscented)
- Renovation leftovers (panels, styrofoam, roofing felt)
Always call your local shelter first to check what they need most!
Charity Shopping
If you're shopping for your pet anyway, why not help at the same time? Buy beds, clothes, or toys at our Greypet charity store 5-25% of the profit goes to the shelter of your choice. No need to leave the house — shop online and support animals in need at greypet.com.
Virtual Adoption
Many shelters offer remote sponsorship of an animal. You can pledge a monthly amount to support a specific pet and receive updates, photos, and the joy of knowing you’re changing their life.
Promote Adoption
Short on time or money? That’s okay! You can share adoption stories and promote shelter work online. It only takes a few clicks a day to help more animals find homes — maybe even recruit new volunteers.
Shelter Walks
Volunteering to walk shelter dogs is one of the best gifts you can give. Regular walks and human interaction keep dogs social, happy, and emotionally healthy — increasing their chances of adoption.
Become a Foster
A temporary home is still a home! A quiet, loving environment helps animals recover faster, lowers the risk of infections, and prepares them for adoption. Contact your local shelter or use our database to find a foster opportunity near you.
No matter your skills, budget, or time — you can help.
Choose the way that suits you best and become a part of real change. Shelter animals will thank you with wagging tails and grateful purrs!
