1. Gather Supplies. Hold a collection for supplies your local animal shelter needs. You will likely be able to find a wishlist on your local shelter’s website, says Klepacki. 

2. Gather Funds. Hold a fundraiser and donate the funds to the shelter. You could ask that it go to a certain area of the shelter’s work, such as a transport program to bring animals in need from other areas of the country. 

3. Read. If your shelter has a volunteer reading program, you can sign up to read to and comfort the animals! This helps them get used to their new environment and encourages them to approach the front of the kennels or ages, where people can meet them.

4. Spread the Word. Hill says, “Educate others about the importance of pet adoption, spay/neuter, and the many benefits of adding a pet to your family!”

5. Volunteer.  See if there are ways to get hands-on with your family! 

• • Sign up to foster, or caring for shelter pets in your own home. This could include animals who are young, sick, or have just come in from other regions of the country.
  • See if you can become a volunteer who visits the shelter to walk, clean or play with pets! Klepacki says, “Fostering has a direct positive on the animals AND frees up space in the shelter for the next animal who needs it.”