Can't Adopt Right Now? 7 Quick Ways to Help Animal Rescues Near You Today

Look, I get it. You want to help. You see the posts about dogs like me who need homes, and your heart breaks a little. But maybe your landlord says no pets. Maybe you're traveling too much. Maybe you've already got a full house.

You don't need to adopt to make a massive difference.

I'm Chip, and I'm writing this from my cozy bed at Their Best Life Dog Sanctuary. I wasn't always this lucky. Before I got here, I needed people who couldn't take me home but still showed up for me in other ways. Those people? They saved my life just as much as my adopters will.

So if you're sitting there thinking, "I wish I could do more," here are seven ways you can help a dog rescue near you, starting today.

1. Send Money (Even $5 Makes a Difference)

Let's talk real numbers for a second.

Do you know how much it costs to keep one dog fed, healthy, and safe for a month? At most rescues, we're talking $200-$400 per dog. That covers food, vaccinations, flea prevention, heartworm treatment, spay/neuter surgery, emergency vet visits, utilities for the building, and staff or volunteer coordination.

Your $20 donation? That's a week of meals for a dog who was starving on the streets. Your $50? That's the difference between a treatable ear infection and a dog suffering in silence because the rescue ran out of funds.

Most rescues are running on fumes. They're not big corporations with marketing budgets. They're people like you, draining their savings to keep the lights on and the dogs alive.

If cash is tight right now, I totally understand. But if you can skip one coffee this week and send that $5 to a local rescue, you're part of the solution.

2. Buy Supplies (Or Just Share Their Wish List)

Here's a secret: rescues need boring stuff. We're not just talking about toys and treats, though we love those too. We need:

• Paper towels (so many paper towels)

• Bleach and cleaning supplies

• Laundry detergent

• Trash bags

• Dog food and cat food

• Blankets and towels

• Kongs and puzzle toys

• Leashes and collars

Next time you're at the store, grab an extra bag of kibble or a pack of cleaning wipes. Drop it off at your local shelter. They'll be thrilled.

Can't make it to the shelter? Most rescues have Amazon Wish Lists. You click, you buy, it ships directly to them. You don't even have to leave your couch. And yes, that counts as helping.

Even if you can't buy anything right now, share their wish list on your social media. Someone in your network might have the exact thing the rescue needs sitting in their garage.

3. Share Posts on Social Media (It's Free and It Works)

This one costs you nothing. Literally zero dollars.

When you see a post from a local rescue about a dog who needs a home, share it. That's it. Two clicks. You've just put that dog in front of hundreds of people who might know someone who's looking to adopt.

I know it feels small. You might think, "What's one share going to do?" But here's the thing: rescues don't have big advertising budgets. They rely on people like you to spread the word.

One share leads to another share. Then someone's cousin sees it. Then that cousin's coworker falls in love. And boom, dog gets adopted. I've seen it happen.

Follow your local shelter's Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Turn on post notifications. Share their fundraisers. Share their adoptable dogs. Share their volunteer opportunities. It takes 10 seconds and it changes lives.

4. Volunteer Your Time (Yes, Even Just One Hour)

Rescues are always short-staffed. Always. There's never enough time to do everything that needs doing.

If you've got a few hours a week, or even just one Saturday a month, you can make a huge impact by volunteering. Here's what rescues actually need help with:

• Walking dogs (we need exercise and mental stimulation)

• Socializing shy or anxious animals (just sitting with us helps)

• Cleaning kennels and doing laundry (not glamorous, but essential)

• Helping at adoption events

• Taking photos and videos for social media

• Transporting dogs to vet appointments or foster homes

• Administrative work (emails, phone calls, data entry)

You don't need special skills. You just need to show up. And trust me, the dogs will remember you. We know who our people are.

Not sure where to start? Check out our beginner's guide to volunteering at an animal shelter for everything you need to know before your first shift.

5. Foster a Dog (Even for Just a Week)

Okay, hear me out. I know you said you can't adopt. But can you foster?

Fostering means taking a dog into your home temporarily, maybe a week, maybe a few months, until they find their forever home. And it's the most helpful thing you can do for a rescue besides adopting.

Here's why: every dog in a foster home frees up a kennel at the shelter. That kennel can now save another dog's life. Plus, dogs in foster homes are calmer, happier, and show their true personalities, which makes them way more adoptable.

Most rescues cover all the costs, food, vet care, supplies. You just provide the love and the couch.

And yes, "foster fail" is a thing (when you end up adopting your foster dog), but it's not required. Plenty of people foster multiple dogs over the years and never keep one. You're allowed to say goodbye and help the next dog.

If you're curious, we've got a step-by-step guide on how to foster a dog for the first time. It's easier than you think.

6. Organize a Fundraiser (Get Your Friends Involved)

Want to do something fun and help at the same time? Organize a fundraiser.

You don't need to plan a black-tie gala. Small fundraisers work just as well: sometimes better. Here are some ideas:

• Bake sale or lemonade stand (donate the profits)

• Yard sale (ask neighbors to donate items and give proceeds to the rescue)

• Facebook birthday fundraiser (Facebook makes this super easy)

• Supply drive party (invite friends over, ask them to bring dog food or towels)

• Raffle (collect donated prizes and sell tickets)

Get creative. Make it a party. People love an excuse to hang out and do good at the same time.

Even a small neighborhood event can raise hundreds of dollars. And that money? It saves lives.

7. Sponsor a Specific Animal

Some rescues offer sponsorship programs where you commit to a monthly donation to cover the care of a specific dog or cat. It's like a subscription, but instead of getting socks every month, you're keeping a dog fed and healthy.

This is perfect if you want a deeper connection to the cause but can't bring a pet home. You get updates on "your" dog, you can visit them, and you can share their story on social media to help them find an adopter.

It feels personal. It feels meaningful. And it makes a huge financial difference for rescues who are trying to budget month-to-month.

Bonus Tip: Shop in Ways That Give Back

Here's an easy one you can start doing today: use shopping platforms that donate a portion of their revenue to rescues.

• Chewy.com has a "Shelter & Rescue" program where you can shop for your own pets and have them donate to your chosen rescue.

• AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of your purchase to a charity of your choice (just select your local rescue).

• GoodSearch is a search engine that donates to your cause every time you search.

It's not life-changing money, but it adds up. And it costs you nothing extra.

You Don't Have to Do Everything: Just Do Something

Look, I'm not asking you to become a full-time volunteer or donate your life savings. I'm just asking you to pick one thing from this list and try it.

Share a post this week. Drop off some dog food. Sign up for one volunteer shift. Give $10.

That's enough. You're enough.

The dogs at rescues: the ones like me who are waiting for their chance: we don't need perfection. We just need people who care enough to show up in whatever way they can.

So... will you consider helping out? Because I promise, the rescue near you is hoping you will.

Visit our Take Action page to find specific ways you can get involved with Their Best Life Dog Sanctuary today. Or, if you're just starting to explore the world of dog rescue, check out our post on what to know before looking for a dog rescue near you.

Every dog deserves their best life. And you can help make that happen( today.)