
Help local pets
Whether or not you have a pet yourself, your actions can make a difference in the lives of pets and people in your community. The following tips and resources will help you get started. To find a pet shelter or rescue near you, visit adoptapet.com/animal-shelters
Here's how you can help:
Give supplies. Pet shelters and rescues, and human service organizations, need pet supplies on an ongoing basis, and they accept donations from the public. To find out what a local organization needs most, check to see if there’s a wish list on their website. You may be able to order supplies online and have them sent directly to the organization.
Used supplies are useful, too. Many pet shelters and rescue organizations, as well as human service organizations, accept clean, gently used blankets, towels and/or newspapers, among other things. To find out what donations an organization accepts, check their website. You can also donate used supplies—including pet food, treats, toys, leashes, beds and crates—to people in your community through Nextdoor and free giveaway groups.
Volunteer with a local organization. Interested in doing volunteer work to help keep pets and people together? Consider volunteering at a local human social service organization who helps people with pets, animal resource center or food pantry. Check their websites for opportunities to get involved. There are many ways to donate your time, both in person and from home. Hands-on volunteer tasks from administrative help, stuffing envelopes, making phone calls to walking dogs, socializing cats and assisting at events. Remote roles include website, social media and fundraising help.
Donate money to local organizations that support pets and people. Many local pet shelters, rescues, food pantries and social service organizations rely on donations. To give, visit the organization's website and click on "Donate." If your employer has a matching gifts program, your gift could make an even bigger impact.
Set up a personal fundraiser. Want to help local pets on your next birthday? Ask friends and family to donate in your honor to your favorite pet shelter, rescue or social service organization that helps keep pets and people together.
See below for more ways to help keep pets and people together.

People & pets together
Pet food and veterinary assistance for people and pets in the Minneapolis area.

Petco Love Lost
Upload a photo to this national database for lost and found pets, and help a missing pet find their way home.

Pets for the elderly
Find shelters that offer special services, including financial support, for people age 60 and over who want to adopt pets.

Help with pet expenses
Directory of organizations that offer financial assistance.

Feeding pets of the homeless
If you are homeless and need help feeding or caring for your pet, this website will connect you with local assistance.

Pets are welcome
Encourage property owners to welcome all cats and dogs

Keeping pets for life
Assistance for people and pets living in poverty

Pet-inclusive housing initiative
Support pet-friendly policies in rental housing.

The human-animal bond
Research on the health benefits of people’s relationships with pets

The benefits of having a pet
A veterinarian explains why pets make such good companions
Behavior and training videos
Expert-led videos on training your pet and addressing problem behavior

Pet information for renters
Tips for finding pet-friendly housing and resolving landlord issues