The first week of November marks National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. While we may only think about our local shelters and humane societies when it’s time to look for a pet, most have many offerings for their communities beyond adoption services, and they can always use our support.
Here are our top ten ways to show your appreciation to your local animal shelter this week - and year-round.

1. Volunteer your skills.
Most local shelters can always use an extra set of hands. And if you’re not experienced in training, grooming, or pet care, no worries. You might be surprised at how you can help with skills like photography, social media management, writing, or event planning. If you’re building new skills for your resume or portfolio, there’s a lot you can learn while volunteering. You can even just come hang out with animals, play with cats, or walk a dog. Just stop by or call your shelter to find out how you can help.

2. Check your pet supply stash for unused items.
Maybe you have a collar your dog grew out of before they had a chance to wear it. Or toys they never play with. Blankets and towels are usually a constant need, and cleaning supplies are always useful. Most can only take unopened, unexpired food and treats.

3. Shop your shelter’s wish list.
Many shelters now have an Amazon wish list or similar registry on a shopping site that you can use to directly purchase items that will be shipped to the shelter - no need to leave the house.

4. Treat your shelter staff.
Volunteers and staff appreciate gifts like a round of coffee, donuts, pizza, or cookies. However, it’s usually best to just give a gift card so they can order food when they can enjoy it, and choose what they’d like in case some of them have dietary preferences or allergies.

5. Check out their calendar.
Shelters often have events like adoption days, fundraisers, 5K races, photos with Santa, photos with the Easter Bunny, bake sales, and other fun, family-friendly events. You can find something fun to do this weekend while supporting local pets in need. Events can also be great volunteer opportunities.

6. Boost their social media posts.
Many shelters feature adoptable animals on their social media. If you’re not ready to adopt, make sure to share with your friends who might be interested. You never know who’s ready for a new addition to their family. Even if the animal’s forever family is not on your friends’ list, sharing, liking, and commenting on posts can help increase the page’s reach.

7. Donate.
Shelters can purchase supplies in bulk, so they can often get more from cash donations than from donated items - though any help is always appreciated. Consider making a small one-time donation, setting up a monthly donation, or starting a fundraiser with your school, workplace, or organization.

8. Sign up for a training class.
Some shelters offer affordable dog training classes and other educational events where you can learn about caring for your pet, socialize your puppy, and meet other pet parents.

9. Say “thank you.”
Write an email, leave a positive review online, or even just leave a nice comment on social media to let your local shelter staff know how much you appreciate them.

10. Foster or adopt.
If you have room in your home for one more, why not visit your shelter or check their online adoption listings to see if you find the right match for your family. You can also foster a cat or dog in your home to make space at the shelter to give them a welcoming place to stay while they wait to find their forever home.