The Detroit Barker

Animal shelters do amazing work helping pets in need — whether it’s reuniting a lost dog with its owner, spaying a stray cat, or getting a kitten adopted. However, in many cases, animal shelters are running on a shoestring budget to keep things going. Shelters rely on donations, both monetary and supplies, to help ensure animals in need continue to get care.

Whether you want to volunteer your time, money to fund veterinary care for pets in need, or have a few extra cans of pet food lying around, here are some ways you can help these animal shelters in the Detroit Metro:

Humane Society of Huron Valley – Ann Arbor

HSHV has a running wish list of items they need for pets. You can check out the list by visiting the site here, or going to the shelter in person. In addition to donating items in person, HSHV also has an Amazon list. They’re also partnered with Pup City Daycare in Ypsilanti to accept physical donations.

Woodhaven Animal Shelter – Woodhaven

If you’re south of the Detroit metro, you can check out what donations are needed for the Woodhaven Animal Shelter. Their wish list link for donations can be found here. They also have an Amazon wish list for easy donating.

Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren – West Bloomfield

Those in the northern part of the Metro can check out PAAW, a local non-profit dedicated to helping pets find homes, as well as helping families that may have to give up their pets in difficult circumstances. They accept donations at their location, adoption events, and online.

Oakland County Animal Shelter – Pontiac

Oakland County Animal Shelter shares that every $25 donation can feed up to 10 pets for a week, showing how a small donation can go a long way in helping animals in need. In addition to monetary donations, the shelter accepts gently used items, pet supplies, and also has an Amazon wish list. You can also sponsor a specific pet staying at the shelter.

Michigan Humane Society – Detroit

Probably one of the most well-known humane societies in the state, Michigan Humane still relies on the help of donations to keep things running. Michigan Humane also offers several programs that help the community, such as providing low cost veterinary care, making it easier for people to keep their pets. While they mostly desire monetary donations so they can purchase items as needed, you can still contact them if you’d like to donate other items.

Royal Oak Animal Shelter – Royal Oak

In addition to regular monetary and pet supply donations, the Royal Oak Animal Shelter is looking for help in renovating their building so that they can better house animals and continue to provide services. If you’re looking to donate unique items such as drainage supplies, cement, or even vans, contacting them via their donation page is best.

Friends for Animals – Dearborn

Friends for Animals in Dearborn offers a wide range of ways people can donate to help the shelter. This includes the usual monetary donations, Amazon wish list. In addition, they are currently renovating their location, and donations can be made to have your name or a plaque put up in memory of a loved person or pet.

Helping a pet in need is a great way to do some good — even if you can’t have pets of your own at home. If you can’t donate items or money, seeing if your local shelter needs volunteers is another way to make a difference. Do you have a favorite shelter or animal rescue you help out? Leave their information in the comments below!