When it comes to saving the lives of stray dogs and cats and shelter animals, many people think the only way to help out is through volunteering at the local pound or animal rescue.

1. 5 WAYS YOU CAN
HELP SHELTER
ANIMALS
ADAM CROMAN

2. ADAM CROMAN
When it comes to saving the lives of
stray dogs and cats and shelter
animals, many people think the only
way to help out is through
volunteering at the local pound or
animal rescue. While volunteering is a
great way to make a difference, it’s just
the tip of the iceberg! There are many
ways to help shelter animals beyond
walking dogs, cleaning cages, and
socializing the animals. Here are five
creative ways to make a difference in
homeless pets’ lives.

3. ADAM CROMAN
1. LEARN ABOUT THE
LOCAL SHELTERS IN
YOUR AREA AND
WHAT THEIR NEEDS
ARE.
Some shelters might be all set when it
comes to financial donations, but could
use help caring for the dogs and cats;
others might be struggling with
overcrowding issues as a result of
limited capacity and space. Figure out
where your contributions would be most
valuable and where your skills are
needed most.

4. Photography – Whether you have your own darkroom or are an Instagram aficionado, shelters
and rescue organizations can benefit immensely from those who know how to capture the
cuteness and personalities of dogs and cats who are up for adoption.
Tech / Social Media – Got computer skills? Help your local shelter revamp its website by lending
your graphic design, coding, or writing skills. Most pet adoption organizations could use a hand
when it comes to maintaining their website, social media outreach, or newsletter efforts. With all
the work that goes into caring for animals, shelters often struggle to keep their online presence
up-to-date.
Transportation – Shelters and rescue groups often need volunteers to transport dogs and cats to
wherever their destination may be. Sometimes it’s a two-hour road trip; other times it’s just a
quick trip to the vet. For shelters located in cities like New York, where the main mode of
transportation is bus or train, volunteers who have access to a car are especially valuable!
Professional skills - Animal shelters often need accountants with nonprofit experience to help
them crunch numbers and keep their books in order. Attorneys can help rescue groups stay on
top of legal forms and contracts; carpenters can help shelters make structural renovations to
their facilities.
Caregiving, walking, socializing pets – Shelters are non-profit. This means they rely on
donations of both time and money. No shelter can afford to hire full-time staff to care for and
walk every single animal, and that is where volunteers can step in! Volunteers can help socialize
the animals, spend time with them, walk dogs, clean their cages. Homeless animals can always
use a little TLC.
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5. ADAM CROMAN
2. FOSTER
SOMEONE’S FUTURE
PET.
Ask your parents to help you foster a homeless
dog or cat. Most animal shelters and rescue
organizations have limited space in their
facilities. So many animals need a safe,
temporary place to hang out before finding
their forever home, or while they recover from
an illness or injury. Being in a family home is
also advantageous for puppies and kittens who
need a quiet place to grow and socialize. If you
can commit your time and resources to
fostering an animal, you’ll be helping two
animals—the one for whom you provide a
temporary home and another shelter animal
who will get a space at the shelter.

6. ADAM CROMAN
3. DONATE PET
SUPPLIES / FOOD /
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Every shelter has a wishlist of items,
whether it’s pet food, toys, bedding, litter,
crates, or cleaning supplies. Pick up a
couple items next time you’re shopping
to drop off at the shelter. Donate towels
and sheets you don’t use anymore, or
gently-used leashes and collars your own
pet has outgrown.

7. ADAM CROMAN
4. SPEAK UP
Educate your friends, family, and
members of your local community about
how important it is to spay and neuter
dogs and cats. Explain why it’s better to
adopt a rescue pet than to patronize a
pet store or breeder. There are so many
adorable dogs and cats living at shelters
who need loving homes!

8. ADAM CROMAN
5. SUPPORT PET-
FRIENDLY
BUSINESSES
A number of well-known companies
participate in initiatives to support
animal rescue organizations, including
Amazon, Subaru, Bissell, CLIF Bar, IKEA,
Ben & Jerry’s, and Lush Cosmetics — just
to name a few.

9. ADAM CROMAN
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR TIME!
A D A M C R O M A N . C O M