Giving Tuesday can become overwhelming with so many organizations vying for your financial support. However, there are many more ways to give beyond the wallet. Acts of kindness, lending a helping paw, paying it forward if you’ve received help in the past, giving of your time and talents, are just a few examples of ways to make a difference today and every day. On this Giving Tuesday, we urge you to think about what skills you have that could help animal related nonprofits.
The daily operation of animal shelters, rescues, pet food pantries and pets for vets programs require a lot of work, and they depend heavily on volunteers. Here is just a sampling of the many ways in which you can volunteer to help during the Holidays and throughout the year:
- Animal Socialization: Dog walker, Obedience training, Cat socialization, Spending time with small animals, Participating in reading to the animal programs and other socialization activities, Donating gently used toys, blankets and towels to make their stay more comfortable
- Caring for Animals: Feeding, Filling water bowls, Cleaning crates, Grooming, Helping them to look their best for potential new owners
- Shelter Maintenance: Scooping poop, Cleaning litter pans, Washing food bowls, Laundry, Keeping shelter clean and organized, Handyman projects
- Fostering: Special in-home care for animals in need including those that are pregnant, ill, elderly, or with behavioral issues; Providing specialized socialization for future service dogs or working dogs
- Fundraising / Events: Organizing a fundraiser, Promoting the nonprofit at events, Answering questions, Manning tables, Handling animals at adoption events, Helping behind the scenes with online events
- Administration: Answering phones, Responding to emails, Data entry, Filing, Assisting with mailings, Assembling adoption and information packets
- Outreach: Maintaining and updating social media presence on an organization’s website, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok etc. accounts; Using your photography skills to capture these animals at their best; Writing bios to help the animal’s personality shine to find the perfect match; Spreading the word about organizations that you support on your social media accounts
- Education: Going to schools, scouting troops and youth groups to educate children on animals and the important work of shelters, pet food pantries, and pets for vets programs, etc.
There are many volunteer opportunities that do not require a financial commitment. Acts of kindness, lending a helping paw, paying it forward if you’ve received help in the past, giving of your time and talents, are just a few examples of ways to make a difference today and every day. So on this Giving Tuesday, we urge you to think about what skills you have and acts of kindness that you could do to help. We also ask that you contact your local animal shelter, rescue, pet food pantry, pets for vets program, or other animal related nonprofits for more information on how you can make a big difference lending a helping paw during the Holidays and throughout the year.
