Ways To Make an Impact in Shelter Dogs' Lives for National Dog Month

People who work and volunteer at Humane Societies and animal shelters have some of the toughest jobs in the world. Every day they are confronted with the worst of humanity. Horrific abuse cases, abandoned animals (I don't mean animals surrendered using the protocols set up by the shelter, I mean animals dumped in the shelter parking lot and worse) and angry people taking out whatever issues they have on the volunteers and employees. Shelters are overcrowded and understaffed. The work these people do is physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting.

They are angels on earth.

Sure, there are wonderful adoption stories, and adorable animals and heartwarming cases of abused dogs finding an incredible forever home and if you asked most shelter employees they would say they couldn't imagine doing anything else for a career. Which is why for National Dog Month you should consider helping out your own local shelter and the amazing people who work tirelessly every day to help dogs in need.

It's always a good idea to contact your local animal shelter or Humane Society to ask them the best ways you can help or volunteer, but here are some ideas to get you started.

Ways To Help Shelter Dogs For National Dog Month This August

Make a Monetary Donation

Most animal shelters and Humane Society webpages have a donate button where you can make a financial donation to the shelter of your choice. You can have a lot of fun coming up with ways to get the finances to do so. Sell unwanted items from your attic or garage and donate the proceeds. Put a donation jar on your desk at work and let your co-workers donate. Hold a neighborhood bake sale. Get your buddies together and host a car wash. Instead of wedding gifts, consider asking for donations in lieu of that toaster. Some shelters will even come to your wedding reception with adoptable animals in tow and set up a donation booth.

Donate Cleaning Supplies, Old Towels, Blankets, Food and Toys

Check with your local shelter and see what brands of items they accept and what they are most in need of, whether that be paper towels, toys or bags of food.

Foster a Dog For a Night Or Longer

Some shelters are asking people to take big dogs overnight for sleepovers to help combat kennel stress, and some shelters need foster homes until a dog finds a forever home of their very own. Check with your local shelter to learn about fostering opportunities in your own community.

Volunteer to Walk, Run,  Play With or Spend Time With Dogs

You can volunteer to take a dog for a walk or run, or even just spend time playing with them and help keep them socialized.

Donate Treats For Humans

As said above, shelter work is exhausting in so many ways. Why not contact your local shelter to see if you can sponsor a pizza day or bring in doughnuts or other treats for the amazing people who do such incredible work?

Spay or Neuter Your Pet and Encourage Others To Do the Same

One of the main benefits of spaying and neutering is controlling the pet population. Fewer unwanted puppies means fewer animals in shelters. Spay or neuter your own dog and encourage your friends and family to do the same with their pets.

Use Your Professional Skills to Help Shelter Dogs

Are you a professional photographer who can take photos of shelter dogs to help them get adopted? Or maybe you're a dog groomer who could help groom shelter dogs. You may have a big social media following where you can share adoptable dogs in your area on your channels to get them exposure.

Adopt a Dog of Your Own

One of the best ways to support shelter dogs is to adopt a dog of your very own.  According to the ASPCA, around 3.1 million dogs enter US animal shelters each year. By adopting you are making room for another dog to find a potential forever home and giving the dog you do adopt a chance at a wonderful life.

By doing one or more of these things, you can make a positive impact on the lives of shelter dogs and help the people who work so tirelessly to advocate for the lives of homeless dogs in your own community.