Paws for the Cause posts usually spotlight national groups doing important and innovative work in the fields of animal advocacy and companion animal care.  But what about the thousands of local shelters and nonprofit advocacy organizations?  They are working tirelessly in the rescue movement, educating and raising awareness, and finding forever homes for shelter animals.

There are 13,600 independent community animal shelters all over the U.S. that serve more than 7 million companion animals.  

• Of entering dogs, 35%  are adopted, 30% are euthanized, and fewer than 30% of strays are returned to their families.  
• Of entering cats, more than 35% are adopted, more than 40% are euthanized, and 5% are returned

Yes, adoptions are great ways to support the mission, but maybe there’s no room at your home to adopt another forever friend.  And yes, most local nonprofit animal shelters are also eager for donations, too.  If you want to help the effort your local shelter is making to promote animal adoptions and awareness, there are probably opportunities to connect more meaningfully than with “checkbook activism.”  Here are four simple ways to support local shelters.  Easy ways.  Fun ways.  Personal ways.

1. Make Wishes Come True! Review the shelter “wish list.”  Most shelters post their current needs, some of which are ongoing (like food, treats, and cleaning supplies) and others may change by season or situation.  Consider sponsoring a donation drop off box at your work, school, or elsewhere to help.  Providing food, treats, toys, leashes, and other necessities enable local shelters to put their hard raised funds toward other special needs like veterinary care.
2. Ask!  Contact your local shelter and inquire about ways to help – be sure to mention any special skills or resources you would be willing to donate to a project (carpentry, graphic design, or supplies and materials to donate, etc.).  It sounds obvious, but you never know what projects they wish they could do if they had the resources.  Maybe they wish they could build shelters for outdoor cats, and you could show them how or host a one time workshop to get some finished.  Maybe they could use assistance updating a webpage or dropping off materials.  You may be able to provide something that’s been missing and make a real impact with skills and time!
3. Share! If you learn of about local events, needs, and news from a shelter near you, help them spread the word.  Local shelters rely on grassroots communication efforts, so tell your friends!
4. Care! Get creative when it comes to gift-giving and receiving.  Do you really need another pair of socks or sweater?  Encourage donations to your favorite animal organizations instead!
5. BONUS: Online Shopping:  Check out Adopt a Shelter, connecting hundreds of major online retailers to shelters all over the country.  Is yours one of them?  Inquire with your local shelter about other online donation programs they may offer, too.  These small no cost donations are common and simple tools used by organizations of all sizes that help make every click count!

get local!