Help
Ways to help
Not everyone can adopt a dog, but almost anyone can give it an hour. What matters most is consistency: a shelter can plan around one volunteer every Saturday far better than around ten one-off helpers.
Foster homes
A few weeks or months in your home show what a dog is like outside a kennel. Food and vet costs are often covered by the shelter or group you agree with – worth discussing up front.
Walks
Many shelters welcome volunteers at weekends to take dogs out. Ask about the rules: some want you to come to an introduction session first.
Lifts
Taking a dog to the vet or to its new home is a frequent and genuinely needed request. A seat cover and a second person in the car help.
Photos and write-ups
If you can take pictures or write, your skills are very valuable here. Start with our notes on photographing a dog.
Things
Old towels, blankets, leads and bowls often come in handy at shelters. Always ask what they are actually short of before bringing anything.
Sharing
Sharing a post about a found dog or a dog looking for a home takes seconds. Sometimes that share reaches exactly the right person.