5 Ways to Give Back to Your Local Animal Shelter

5 ways to help your local animal shelterThe Humane Society estimates that between six and eight million animals a year are sent to animal shelters each year in the United States.

Sadly, at least half of those are put to sleep each year.

Animal shelter are almost always full, but spring and summer are far worse than the rest of the year because of the large number of puppies and kittens that are brought in each year. Sadly, many of those are adopted, only to be returned to the shelters as adults.

Related: 12 celebrities who prefer pets to parenthood

But you can help. If you'd like to get involved, contact your local animal shelter, but here are some great suggestions for how you can make a difference - even if you don't actually want to adopt a pet.







Adopt1. Adopt
Of course, this is the one of the best things you can do. Skip the highly overpriced pet store or breeder and instead go to your local shelter to find your next family member. If you're worried about the dog's behavior, use the shelter's fostering system as a way to find a dog or cat, because those animals have lived in homes with their foster families and have revealed their true personalities.









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Donate $2. Donate $
Yes, they need money. Most local shelters are run by a hodgepodge of low-wage staff and volunteers, with little money from government to make it work. Donating money helps tremendously.


















Donate Blankets and Towels3. Donate Blankets & Towels
Can't afford to donate cash? No problem. If you've got old towels, blankets, and sheets (flat, not fitted) lying around, your local shelter can use them. Your old, ripped up blanket might be the difference between the hard metal floor of a cage and comfort.

















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Volunteer your Time4. Volunteer Your Time
Love dogs but can't have one where you live? No problem. Head to your local shelter and offer to volunteer. You'll get to spend plenty of time with dogs helping to socialize them, walk them, and play with them. Sure, you might have to hose down a few cages too, but it's worth it.













Spread the Word5. Spread the Word
If your friends are thinking about getting a pet, tell them to pick one out at a shelter. Stress to them the fact that some 50,000 animals a DAY are put to sleep in shelters and need homes. Friends don't let friends buy pets.











- By Cecily Kellogg
Follow Cecily on Babble

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