50 Ways YOU can help Homeless Animals

Homeless animals face tough challenges every day, but the good news is that anyone can make a difference. Whether you have extra time, a little money, special skills, or simply a big heart, there are countless ways to support animals in need. Some of these ideas involve working with nonprofits like ours, but many are things you can do on your own — right in your own community. Here are 50 ways to get started:

❤️ Everyday Kindness

1. Carry small bags of pet food or treats to share with unhoused pet owners you encounter.

2. Keep a spare leash or collar (and some treats!) in your car in case you come across a stray animal.

3. Share posts about adoptable pets on your social media accounts.

4. Set out bowls of fresh water outside your home or business during hot weather. (Remember to keep clean and fresh)

5. Report injured, abandoned, or lost animals to local shelters or rescue hotlines.

🏠 Adopt, Foster & Care

1. Adopt a rescue animal instead of buying one from a breeder or store.

2. Become a foster parent to animals waiting for their forever homes.

3. Provide hospice care for an elderly or terminally ill pet.

4. Volunteer to help transport animals between shelters, foster homes, or veterinary clinics.

5. Offer temporary pet sitting for someone going through a crisis or transition.

💵 Give Financial Support

1. Make a one-time or monthly donation to an animal welfare nonprofit organization.

2. Sponsor a pet’s vet visit or pay for spay/neuter surgery. Keep and eye on social media pleas for opportunities to help!

3. Start a “round-up change” campaign at your workplace or local shop.

4. Include an animal charity in your will or estate plan.

5. Celebrate your birthday or another milestone by asking for donations instead of gifts.

📦 Donate Supplies

1. Collect blankets, towels, and bedding for shelters.

2. Donate (functional) carriers, crates, or kennels you no longer use.

3. Organize a community pet food drive and donate to shelter or pet food bank.

4. Purchase OTC flea and tick prevention supplies to give to a rescue group, or donate your pets unused preventative.

5. Send items directly through an Amazon wishlist.

🙌 Volunteer Your Time

1. Walk dogs at your local shelter or socialize with cats!

2. Help with cleaning kennels and caring for animals.

3. Support shelter staff by answering phones or greeting visitors.

4. Join a fundraising or event planning committee.

5. Drive pets to adoption events or veterinary appointments.

🎨 Share Your Talents

1. Take professional-quality photos of adoptable pets to improve their chances of being adopted.

2. Design flyers, logos, or graphics for rescues and nonprofits.

3. Offer social media or website management skills.

4. Write grants, newsletters, or donor letters to help secure funding.

5. Perform at or host a charity event — musicians, comedians, artists, and speakers all welcome!

🐕 Support Unhoused Pet Owners

1. Assemble and distribute “pet care kits” with food, bowls, booties, or toys.

2. Volunteer with street outreach programs that serve both people and their pets.

3. Advocate for pet-friendly homeless shelters and housing programs.

4. Offer free or discounted grooming services for pets in need.

5. Provide short-term fostering or boarding if an owner is hospitalized.

📣 Spread Awareness

1. Share stories of rescued animals to inspire compassion online.

2. Host an info session or workshop in your community about animal care resources and animal welfare needs.

3. Write to local officials encouraging support for animal welfare funding.

4. Help students create school projects that raise awareness about homeless pets.

5. Use your workplace newsletter or community bulletin to spotlight a local rescue.

🌎 Think Big Picture

1. Support spay and neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation.

2. Encourage and support microchipping for pets or donate to programs that provide this.

3. Volunteer for trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for community cats.

4. Contribute to disaster relief efforts for animals affected by natural disasters.

5. Advocate for policies that protect and support pets of unhoused individuals.

🐾 Creative & Fun Ways

1. Host a pet photo contest to raise money for a rescue group.

2. Organize a charity dog wash or grooming event.

3. Sell handmade toys, collars, or bandanas to benefit animal nonprofits.

4. Plan a fun run or community walk where people can bring their pets.

5. Sponsor the care of a shelter pet (virtually) and share their story with friends and family.