Ways to Support Rescues Without Adopting
Friends and Neighbors,
Not in a position to welcome a new pet into your home? Don’t sweat it! There are many ways you can still support your local rescues! We’ve compiled a list of ways you can lend a helping hand to pets in need - even from your own home.
Photo courtesy of Eunice Alpasan / WTTW News
Transport
Do you own a vehicle? You may be of much more help than you think! If you can’t foster or adopt, a great way to support an animal rescue is by transporting pets. You might be shocked at just how busy these homeless pets are! They have vet appointments, field trips and most importantly - meet and greets with potential adopters. Many rescues have loads of pets living with approved fosters. There’s usually far more pets in need than what’s listed on the adoptables page of the rescue. If you have access to a vehicle and are able to help get these adoptables from A to B - reach out to any local rescue to offer your support!
Donate Household Goods
Rescues go through household goods at an alarming rate. From keeping the place clean to keeping the pets comfy, it seems like the list never ends! Some rescues may take food, but it depends on the brand. A good rule of thumb is to just shoot them a quick email to see what they might be in need of! Common household supplies that can be donated to rescues are:
Towels
Blankets
Rugs
Large bins for kibble
Litter and litter boxes
Beds and cots
Cat trees
Toys and stuffies
Laundry detergent
Poop bags
Volunteer
If you like getting involved with your community and spending time with pets, this is the one for you! There are many ways to volunteer for your local rescue. You can work events or host fundraisers, but one super common way is by working a shift at the rescue facility. Most rescues only require a brief volunteer orientation where they show you the ropes! Then you can sign up for the shifts you want that work around your schedule. Some tasks include walking the dogs, spending time with the cats, cleaning kennels and litter boxes and doing laundry. This is one of the most pivotal ways to help the rescue - all while getting some quality time with the adoptables!
Get Crafty
A super fun way to support a rescue is by getting crafty! No plans on a Friday night? Get together with some friends and have a blanket making party. Kids home for the summer? A fun and low cost activity is DIY snuffle mats! There’s something special about a homemade goodie for a pet in need. For more at home DIY ideas, check out our DIY enrichment article.
Offer Your Skills
There are about a million ways you can help a rescue without adopting - many of which can be done after hours from the comfort of your own home! Some examples are:
Create schedules (for staff members, volunteers and fosters)
Volunteer coordination (communication, transportation, food pickup, etc.)
Run social media accounts
Web design and advertising
Marketing and branding
Video production
If you have a skill that you think could be of use to the rescue, contact them to learn more! There are usually lots of creative ways to give back that may not be immediately obvious.
Educate Others
Perhaps the easiest way to support your local shelter or animal rescue is by simply spreading the word. Let the people in your life know that even if they aren’t able or interested in adopting that supporting the rescue supports the community. Share social media posts, event fliers and merch! A little awareness goes a long way for these sweet pets in need.
We hope you find these tips useful and that they encourage you to support you local animal shelter or rescue. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here for you and your pets!
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team