How to Support Your Local Shelter During the Holiday Season

The holidays are all about giving, and what better way than by helping animals in need? Shelters are crowded as it is, and that number only seems to be growing. For instance, last year, Shelter Animals Count reported that during the 2023 holiday season, about 245,000 more dogs and cats were languishing in shelters compared to the prior year. 

The holidays arrive with several unique opportunities to support those local animal shelters. This includes organizing holiday-themed adoption events, working hands-on in the facility, or donating much-needed supplies. 

If you’re looking for a pet, adopting (versus shopping) is the best way to help ease the overcrowding. But long-term fostering, offering holiday “staycations,” or signing up for shelter dog walks are also extremely helpful. They all boost an animal’s chances of being adopted by positively impacting their stress and energy levels.

No matter how you choose to help, your contribution will brighten the season for shelter pets and their hardworking humans alike. Before you jump in, here’s what you should know about supporting your local pet shelter this holiday season.

What do animal shelters need the most? 

Before making your holiday shopping list, consider adding a few items for your local animal shelter. A lot of shelters run low on essentials during the colder months. Donations can help keep pets warm, well-fed, and comfortable throughout the holidays. 

Pet food

A full belly is one of the best gifts you can give a shelter pet. Donating wet and dry pet food — especially high-quality or specialty diet options — can make sure no pet goes hungry during the holiday season. Gift cards to pet stores are also a great way to give to shelters if you aren’t sure what types of food to buy.

Blankets 

As temperatures drop, shelters need extra blankets to keep animals warm. But blankets do even more to keep them cozy: They help animals relax and feel a sense of comfort.

Towels

Towels are used for everything from drying off dogs after a chilly walk to cleaning up messes. New and gently used towels are practical and much appreciated, especially during winter months.

Bedding

Warm bedding makes a huge difference for shelter animals, especially during cold nights. Dog and cat beds and comforters in good condition can help pets feel safe and give them their own space, while they wait for their forever homes.

Cleaning supplies

Shelters are constantly cleaning, especially around the holidays when they may take in more animals. It may not be a glamorous gift, but disinfectants, paper towels, and pet-safe cleaners are absolutely vital to keep shelters clean and healthy for pets and the humans caring for them.

Toys

While essentials like food and blankets come first, giving shelter pets a new toy is extra special during the holidays. Durable, easy-to-clean toys are great — but it’s best to avoid rawhide or anything that can fray or rip easily.

Holiday volunteering opportunities at local animal shelters

If you’re looking to give back this holiday season, volunteering at your local shelter is a meaningful way to make a difference. Many shelters need extra help during the holidays, whether it’s through special events, fostering, or simply donating to the cause. 

Special event assistance 

Shelters will often host holiday-themed adoption events, which are a great way for pets to find homes before the new year. They can always use volunteers to help with everything from setup to answering questions to handling pets.

Fostering or spending time with pets 

Holidays can be a hectic time for shelters, with an influx of animals, which leads to even more limited space. Fostering a pet is a great way to give them a break from the shelter while gifting yourself a furry companion for the season. If you can’t foster, visit shelters to walk dogs or socialize with cats to give them some much-needed love and attention. 

Shelter decorations

Help your local shelter get into the holiday spirit by assisting them with putting up seasonal decorations. Simple touches like lights, garlands, or holiday-themed backdrops for photo ops can make the shelter feel more cheerful and welcoming for pets and visitors. Just make sure animals can’t reach any of the decorations, which could pose a safety hazard.

Help with social media campaigns

The holidays are a prime time for shelters to promote adoptions, fundraisers, and donations. If you’re savvy with social media, offer to help them manage their holiday campaigns or create festive content that can be shared across different platforms.

Holiday donation letters

Shelters will often send out donation letters or emails during the holiday season to ask for contributions. By helping them write and distribute these letters, you are spreading the word.

Creating holiday care packages 

Holiday care packages are a fun way to make the season special for shelter animals and staff. You could organize a gift basket (or even fill a stocking) with toys, treats, and cozy blankets for the animals. Or put together a staff appreciation package with snacks, coffee, and heartfelt notes thanking shelter employees and volunteers for their hard work. Small gestures like this go a long way in showing support.

Year-end giving strategies 

If you have the financial means, consider a year-end lump-sum donation to your local shelter. Most shelters are nonprofits, meaning your donations are tax-deductible. It’s an easy way to support animals in need and benefit from a tax break before the new year. Many shelters and pet charities also have matching gift programs or ways to set up recurring donations that can extend beyond the holiday season.

Commonly asked questions

How to choose a reputable pet rescue organization? 

Not all pet rescue organizations are the same. Before donating or volunteering, do research to make sure the shelter or rescue is reputable. Look for organizations that are open about how they operate, are registered as a 501(c)(3), and have good reviews from your community. 

Can I write off pet-related donations? 

Yes! Most donations to shelters (monetary or physical goods and supplies) are tax-deductible as long as the shelter is a registered nonprofit. Just be sure to save your receipts, and check with your tax advisor before filing your year-end taxes.

What are some virtual ways to help shelters during busy holiday times?

If you can’t physically volunteer at your local shelter, there are still plenty of ways to help from home. Remote skills, such as posting on social media, creating fundraising campaigns, or even making fun seasonal graphics, can all benefit shelters during the holidays. A lot of shelters also have Amazon wishlists from which you can buy items they need and have them shipped directly to them.

Can you donate used dog toys to an animal shelter? 

Most of the time, shelters will accept gently used dog toys. Durable ones like KONGs or other tough rubber toys are especially popular. Just make sure they’re in good condition (not super ripped up with no chunks missing, and so on). If you aren’t sure, you can always check with the shelter to see what they can accept before taking them there.

References

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