Helping animals in need is deeply rewarding, and there are many ways members can make an impact. Not sure where to start? Check out these suggestions. 

  1. Connect with animal advocacy organizations.  Research ways to help animals by learning more about the animal rescues and shelters in your area. Some possibilities: 
  1. Volunteer your time and talents.
    • Animal shelters and rescues often need help. Common volunteer activities include feeding, cleaning and socializing animals, as well as dog-walking. Schedule regular times for the club to visit a local shelter or rescue to help. 
    • Transport animals from shelters/rescues in one state to another. This activity increases their chances for adoption. This could be an ongoing monthly club activity. Use your car or rent a Covan, schedule a driver and assign a member to each animal being transported.  
    • Help write and post animal-adoption profiles. Are there members with outstanding computer or photography skills? Work with a shelter or rescue to help out.  
  1. Donate money or supplies.
    • Financial donations allow organizations to spend where the money is needed most. Organize a club fundraiser to support a local shelter or rescue. Check with the shelter/rescue to access its online fundraising tools. 
    • In-kind donations (like food, blankets, toys and cleaning supplies) are always welcome. Remember to check the shelter’s “wish list” and share what’s needed with others. Encourage the club to conduct a shelter drive, collecting items that are most needed. 
  1. Foster and adopt animals.
    • Fostering animals provides temporary care that makes room in shelters for more rescues. One member can serve as the foster-care provider, but other members can help when needed. Many types of animals need fostering: dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, birds and others. Select an animal that most members can easily support. 
    • Adopt a feral cat colony as a club project. Members can build and place outdoor shelters where the colony lives. They also can visit the colony regularly to ensure food and water are available. If the club is working with a local feral-cat organization, the size of the colony can be managed with a trap-neuter-return program. 
  1. Raise awareness: Conduct an animal advocacy campaign. Share information about adoptable pets, lost animals and animal welfare issues. Create posters with information to share in common areas and post on the club’s social media page.