ASPCA Gives Top Ways To Help Animals In Your Community .....

Are you interested in helping animals in your local community, but unsure where to begin? Good news! There are many ways to make a difference. From assisting your local shelter to educating the public on animal welfare issues to fighting for stronger animal legislation—here are a few ways you can make a difference for animals in your community:

Volunteer at your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Most local shelters rely heavily on help from volunteers. There are many ways to pitch in—for example, you could socialize dogs and cats, or help write a shelter newsletter. Your local shelter may also be in need of help in an area of your expertise, such as accounting assistance, website design or handyman skills. Use our shelter finder to find an organization in your area.

Learn how to recognize and report animal cruelty. While animal cruelty law enforcement varies from state to state, this task typically falls to local humane organizations, animal control agencies, taxpayer-funded animal shelters or police precincts. Visit our Fight Cruelty section to learn how to recognize signs that animal cruelty is taking place, and how to report it in your area.

Host a pet food and supplies drive. Animal shelters are in constant need of basic supplies that can be found around your home or at your local grocery or discount store including food, towels and bedding, cleaning supplies, toys and other pet care supplies. Check with your local rescue group on their needs, and consider hosting a supplies drive to gather these items from your friends and family members to donate.

Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Help fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. As a Brigade member, you’ll receive emails asking you to contact your legislators when help is needed to pass these laws within your region.

Spread the word about the importance of spay/neuter. Too many adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year simply because there isn’t enough space. By spaying and neutering your pets, you’ll make sure you are not contributing to the problem. Visit our Spay/Neuter Database to see who in your community offers low-cost spay/neuter programs, and spread the word to your friends and neighbors.

Start your own fundraiser with Team ASPCA. By creating your own customized fundraising campaign page for a bake sale, car wash or other event, you’ll raise critical funds for animals in need.