5 Ways to Help Animal Shelters This Holiday Season

The holiday season may bring joy for many, but for animal shelters, it often comes with extra challenges. Shelters face overcrowding, stretched resources, and an increased need for community support. From donations to volunteering time, there are countless ways you can help animal shelters during the holiday season. Let’s explore how we can make this busy time a little brighter for animals in need – and the people who care for them.

The realities for animal shelters and how to help during the holiday season

The holiday season is a bittersweet time for animal shelters. While many people adopt or foster pets around Christmas, some bring back animals they can no longer care for. Shelters often see a spike in pet surrenders during this time due to several reasons: financial stress, housing changes, or the reality of owning a pet gifted during the holidays. Sadly, cats and kittens that are Christmas gifts are often surrendered shortly after the excitement of the holidays fades.

Additionally, stray cats become more common at Christmas either because they’ve wandered off or their owners can no longer provide for them. On top of this, shelters must also brace for an influx of litters, putting additional pressure on shelter capacity. With the rise in animal numbers comes an urgent need for more supplies – feeding and caring for hundreds of animals isn’t cheap or easy. 

There’s also a broader issue of staffing and volunteers. Busy holiday schedules mean fewer people have the time to help out, leaving shelters short-handed. More animals to care for plus fewer people to rely on, it can become a logistical nightmare. 

But possibly the most significant shortfall during the holiday season is funding. Shelters rely heavily on donations to survive, but end-of-year charity giving often focuses elsewhere. Financial shortages can make it impossible to handle even basic operations, let alone emergencies.

Whether you have time, money, or space in your home to offer, there are plenty of practical ways to make a difference. Here are some meaningful ways you can help animal shelters this holiday season and the cats in their care.

1. Donating essential ‘wish list’ supplies

Animal shelters constantly need supplies to keep things running smoothly. During the holiday season, those needs often skyrocket. Think about the daily needs of a pet – shelters require all those same basics but on a much larger scale. Some of the most requested items include:

• wet and dry cat food
• kitten formula
• over-the-counter medications like flea and worm treatment
• cat litter and litter boxes
• cleaning and office supplies. 

Before purchasing, check your local shelter’s wish list online or give them a call to confirm what they need most. This enables you to donate an item that is currently in high demand.  

2. Making a financial contribution

Most animal shelters and cat rescue organisations operate as non-profit charities. This means they rely heavily on financial support from fundraising activities and generous contributions from the local community. Every donation, regardless of its size, plays a crucial role in supporting cats and kittens in care.

Monetary donations allow shelters to allocate resources wherever the need is greatest. They are often used to:

• Cover unexpected veterinary bills or medical treatments.
• Pay for facility repairs or upgrades 
• Investing in adoption events, spay/neuter programs, or public education campaigns.

Even a small donation can go a long way when combined with others. Many shelters also accept one-off payments, monthly pledges, or fundraising on their behalf. Remember, as well as supporting a great cause, your charitable donations may also offer tax benefits. In Australia, donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

3. Volunteering your time and skills

If you’re short on cash but have plenty of time, volunteering is an incredible way to give back. Shelters rely on volunteers to fill gaps their staff can’t cover, especially during the holidays. There are usually a range of opportunities available such as:

• transporting cats to and from vet appointments
• writing engaging cat adoption profiles
• providing help with administration tasks
• raising awareness through social media and marketing efforts
• coordinating fundraising events.

Even an hour or two a week can improve the lives of shelter animals. Volunteering is also a great way to connect with like-minded animal lovers while making a real difference.

4. Fostering a cat or kitten in your home

Shelters are often at capacity during the holidays. Fostering a cat temporarily frees up space for other animals in need. Plus, fostering gives animals a chance to live in a home environment, which can reduce their stress and help them become more adoptable.

Fostering isn’t a long-term commitment. It could be as short as a weekend or a few weeks while a permanent home is found. If you’ve ever considered having a cat but hesitated due to long-term responsibility, fostering is a perfect way to test the waters while actively helping an animal in need.

Reach out to your local cat rescue or animal shelter for more information on what’s involved. Generally, you will need to provide a foster cat with a comfortable sleeping area as well as basic care. This includes food, litter and transport to necessary veterinary appointments. 

Some organisations are able to provide financial help to cover the expenses associated with being a foster carer, thanks to generous community donations.

5. Sponsoring a cat

If you live in an apartment, are renting, or your family situation doesn’t allow you to foster or adopt a cat, then sponsoring could be a good option for you. 

Sponsors contribute a fixed monthly amount (usually $15 or more) to help cover the costs associated with caring for cats in animal shelters. Sponsors often support special needs cats who are in long-term foster situations due to their age or chronic health issues. Your sponsorship would contribute towards essential items such as food, litter and veterinary bills. 

Many rescue organisations will acknowledge your generosity and send you a sponsorship certificate with a photo and details of the cat you are supporting. 

Final thoughts

Whether it’s donating supplies or funds, volunteering your time, or fostering a cat, there are many ways you can help animal shelters during the holiday season. Every action you take supports animal shelters who are working tirelessly to manage the extra challenges associated with the holidays and support the animals in their care.

Take a moment to think about how you can get involved and spread some kindness and cheer this festive season. Together, we can brighten the holidays for animals in need and the dedicated people looking after them.