Spread the Cheer: How to Help Local Animal Shelters During the Holidays

The holidays are the perfect time to spread cheer not only to family and friends but also to pets in need. At Bayside Animal Hospital, we encourage our community to give back to local shelters this season. From helping cat shelters to supporting dog shelters, you can make a difference in plenty of ways. Below are a few meaningful and easy ways to lend a hand and help shelters during the holidays.

Donate Supplies to Pet Shelters

Pet shelters rely on donations to keep running smoothly, and the holiday season is a perfect time to give. Most shelters have wish lists for the items they need most, but here are some common things you can contribute:

• Pet food: Both cat and dog shelters often need dry and wet food, especially high-quality brands that help keep shelter pets healthy.
• Blankets and bedding: Help keep the animals warm and cozy this winter with blankets, towels, or pet beds.
• Toys and enrichment items: Pets need stimulation and fun, too! Donating toys for both cats and dogs can help make their stay a little brighter.
• Cleaning supplies: Shelters go through cleaning products quickly. Items such as disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and trash bags are always needed.

Even small contributions add up. By donating supplies, you’re helping shelters provide the best care possible for their animals.

Volunteer Your Time

If you’re short on extra funds this holiday season, volunteering your time is a fantastic way to help out. Pet shelters are always looking for extra hands, and there are many ways you can contribute:

• Walking dogs: Many dogs need daily exercise, and shelters often don’t have enough staff to walk them all. Volunteering to walk dogs helps keep them healthy and happy.
• Socializing cats: For cat lovers, spending time petting or playing with cats in shelters helps reduce their stress and improve their chances of being adopted.
• Cleaning and maintenance: Shelters need volunteers for tasks like cleaning kennels, organizing donations, or helping with daily chores.
• Fostering: If you have the space and resources, consider fostering a pet over the holidays. This gives the shelter more room and helps the pet adjust to home life.

Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the pets—it’s also a rewarding way to give back to your community and make a difference in a pet’s life.

Organize a Fundraiser for Pet Shelters

Getting your friends and family involved in helping local shelters can be both fun and impactful. Consider organizing a holiday fundraiser with a focus on raising money or collecting items for a nearby dog or cat shelter. Here are some ideas:

• Host a holiday party: Invite your friends and ask them to bring donations for your local shelter instead of traditional gifts.
• Online fundraising: Use social media to share the shelter’s needs and set up a donation page that’s easy for people to contribute to.

Whether large or small, every effort counts, and you’ll help raise awareness of the shelter’s mission, inspiring others to join in the giving spirit.

Adopt or Foster a Pet During the Holidays

One of the most impactful ways to help shelters during the holidays is to open your heart and home to a pet in need. The holidays are a great time to adopt or foster, as many people have more free time and can give a new pet the attention they need. Here’s why you should consider adoption or fostering:

• Saving a life: By adopting from a pet shelter, you’re giving a homeless pet a loving forever home.
• Making space for more animals: Every pet that gets adopted or fostered frees up space in the shelter, allowing them to rescue more pets.
• Holiday cheer: Bringing a pet into your home adds joy to the holiday season and beyond.

If adoption isn’t possible for you, fostering a pet temporarily helps shelter animals adjust to a home environment and increases their chances of getting adopted.

How to Help Shelters All Year Round

While the holiday season is a great time to contribute, pet shelters need support all year. Consider making a long-term commitment by setting up monthly donations or becoming a regular volunteer. Shelters always appreciate consistent help, whether it’s through donated supplies, your time, or financial contributions.

Join Bayside Animal Hospital in Supporting Local Shelters

There are countless ways to spread the cheer this holiday season by supporting local shelters and the animals they care for. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or adopt, your contribution makes a difference. 

If you have any questions or want to schedule a wellness visit or other service for your pet, our veterinarians and staff are here to help. Call us today to learn more about how we can assist you and your pets during the holidays.