5 ways you can help shelter animals

Not every family is in a position to adopt a pet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help homeless animals. From donating supplies to volunteering your time, here are five meaningful ways to make a difference in the lives of pets waiting for a home. 

1. Fostering 

Shelters like the Humane Society of Utah rely on foster volunteers to help animals that require extra care. Volunteers welcome pets into their homes to provide the love and support they need, often for just a week. 

A new kitten drinks from a bottle.

As a foster volunteer, you may care for new kittens needing bottle feeding every couple of hours, or you could provide a quiet place for an animal recovering from surgery. Or you might help a dog with behavioral challenges learn to socialize. 

Many homeless animals are strays that have been abandoned or mistreated, or they’ve had little to no interaction with people. Living with a loving family can help them feel safe and learn to trust human caregivers. These positive experiences make it easier for them to transition to a permanent home. 

Getting a break from the noise and stress of a shelter benefits animals in other ways too. While you temporarily house a pet, you’re freeing up space for more animals in need. 

Apply today to be a foster volunteer at the Humane Society 

2. Volunteering 

Shelters work to help animals find forever families, and volunteers play an important role in making that possible. In fact, at the Humane Society of Utah, volunteers help to save the lives of more than 7,000 pets each year. 

At a shelter, you can volunteer to work with animals directly. You could play with a timid cat, help a ferret learn to socialize or take a dog for a walk to help relieve kennel stress. If you’d like to provide this type of service at the Humane Society, you’ll be asked to commit to one two-hour shift per week for six months. 

A volunteer gives a dog a bath.

Prefer to lend a hand behind the scenes? Volunteers can pitch in with everyday tasks at the shelter, such as cleaning cages, doing laundry or tackling major projects. 

If you prefer administrative work, you could assist with office duties such as welcoming visitors. Shelters also need help with fundraising events and community education efforts. 

Volunteering can be a family activity. Kids 12 and older can work alongside you, while those 16 and older may volunteer independently. 

Sign up now to be a volunteer 

3. Donating 

Donations, both material and financial, are a simple way to support shelters and the animals they care for. The Humane Society's most-needed items include: 

• Dry and canned cat food 

• Timothy hay for rabbits and guinea pigs 

• Soft dog-training treats 

• Cat litter 

• Spray cheese 

Shelters also appreciate comfort items such as fleece blankets, gently used bath towels and pet toys.

Prefer to donate money? Your monetary gift allows shelters to purchase supplies and other essentials when they’re needed. You can make a one-time donation or sign up to give monthly.

A dog enjoys a walk in the woods on a day out.

4. Enjoying a Doggy Day Out

Only have a couple of hours? Give a pup a break on a Doggy Day Out, a volunteer program at the Humane Society of Utah.

Living in a shelter is boring, especially for active dogs that need mental stimulation and space to explore. On a Doggy Day Out, participants can take adoptable dogs outside for a two-hour adventure, away from the noise and limited space of the shelter. 

Go on a hike, head to a park or explore other approved destinations. The Humane Society provides all the supplies you’ll need, including a water bottle, treats, waste bags and a car seat cover. When you return, tell the shelter staff how the dog did.

Be sure to post photos of the day’s adventure on your social media. Those pictures may introduce your four-legged companion to a potential adopter.

Take a pup for a Doggy Day Out

Pups at a shelter waiting to be adopted.

5. Sharing adoptable pets on social media 

The best way for homeless animals to find a family is to be seen. On your social media, share photos or videos of the pets you meet while volunteering at a shelter, and point out why they would make a great companion. 

You can also encourage pet adoption by sharing adoptable pet listings from KSL Classifieds. You never know who might be looking for a new furry friend, and this connection could be the one that brings a pet and a family together. 

Help spread the word about the rewards of pet adoption by sharing success stories. Do you have a friend or neighbor who rescued an animal? Post about their experience to show others the joy of giving a pet a loving home. 

Ready to adopt? 

When pet adoption becomes a possibility for your family, start your search on KSL Classifieds. 

Local shelters and rescue agencies list their adoptable pets on our site, making it easy to browse all those adorable faces. Each listing tells you a bit about the animal’s personality, needs and background to help you decide which one belongs in your family. 

Meet adoptable pets on KSL Classifieds