How to Support Your Local Animal Shelter

A graduate of Lehigh University and Seton Hall University School of Law, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano has served as the retail director of a New Jersey running company since 2019. Outside of work, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano is the proud owner of an English bulldog and an outspoken advocate for animal rescue services.

An estimated 6.5 million companion animals enter United States shelters each year, and most animal welfare organizations depend on volunteers and generous donors to continue operating. Whether you have time, creative talents, or resources to share, your local animal shelter can use your help.

Making a donation is an effective way to help a non-profit animal shelter, and even a small amount can have a big impact. Many shelters gratefully accept donations of food or pet toys, in addition to money. If you cannot offer financial support, fostering is a generous option that frees up space for the shelter to accept more animals.

For individuals looking for a hands-on way to help, volunteering at a local animal shelter is a rewarding way to meet new people and learn practical animal care skills. Simply visiting and playing with animals is vital to the mental health of shelter animals, and provides relief for full-time workers. Finally, you can help educate on the importance of spaying and neutering pets, as pet population control is the best way to prevent overcrowding in shelters.