Seven Simple Ways to Help New England Animal Shelters Any Time of Year

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.

Our furry, four-legged shelter friends truly depend on us for survival and literally have Wish Lists, from food to medical supplies, toys, and shelter cleaning supplies.

According to petfinder.com, there are thousands of shelters around New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts alone. It's almost too overwhelming to think about.  This means any season is giving season, not just the holidays or wintertime.

Here are seven ideas that help you and I assist in animal shelter wish lists.

1) Cash is King

To absolutely no one's surprise, monetary donations are always welcome. Why? Surprisingly, most Humane Societies don't receive any government assistance, and purely survive on donations and fundraisers.

2) Food

Shelters ALWAYS need food.  If you have a pet, you know how quickly food disappears, so imagine trying to feed lots of dogs at least twice a day.  This of course goes for our feline friends, too.

3) Toys

From plush toys to chew toys, squeaky ones, and rough-and-tough ones, the next time you're running errands, stop into a pet store or the pet aisle and pick up a couple of toys.  Mental wellness is so important, and just like we smile when we're having fun, these homeless pets do, too.

4) Medical Care Items

Rubber gloves, scrubs, and litter boxes are just a few items that are necessary. Often the little babies don't have their moms to nurse, so nipple bottles are helpful.

5) Cleaning Supplies

From mops to paper towels and bleach, imagine what you need when cleaning your house, and multiply that for a shelter filled with homeless pups and kittens.

6) Grooming Supplies and Blankets

Pet wipes, brushes, towels, and blankets are always needed to keep these cuties comfortable and camera-ready for possible new family members dropping in.

7) Gift Cards

If you're not sure what these shelters are desperate for, then gift cards to pet stores, Target, or Walmart are beyond helpful.

On a side note, dogs and cats aren't the only animals up for adoption.  Often, some animals like horses just need a place to live, and the shelter is it.  So the out-of-the-ordinary is always helpful, too, and each shelter can let you know what's on that wish list.