An adoptable dog poses for the camera at the Valencia County Animal Shelter’s picture day with Cheyenne Chavez Photography (Los Lunas, NM)

Another year is officially underway, and already animal shelters across the nation are reporting record breaking intakes, overflowing capacities, and needless euthanasia to create more space. Non-Profit Rescues are struggling to operate as donations dwindle under a stressed economy. The future seems uncertain while pets suffer the ultimate consequences.

The Valencia County Animal Sheler has been at capacity for the entirety of the year so far. Albuquerque Animal Welfare is even waving adoption fees as intakes remain on the rise.

So, what are we to do int he face of a seemingly insurmountable problem in our community? As we face uncertain economic times as well, how can we actually make a difference?

We’ve talked with shelter and rescue organizers to get ideas on how you can best make a difference for animals in your community and - spoiler alert- giving financially isn’t the only way!

Organize a Supply Drive
Thanks to the miracles of the internet, organizing a supply drive has never been easier! It can be as simple as making an amazon wishlist and sharing it to your social network that automatically ships items to your local shelter! Just be sure to check with your shelter and confirm what they need. Generally, shelters need items like kibble, bleach, blankets, towels, milk replacer and bottles, slip leads, collars, and dish soap, but needs can vary. The best part of this is that not everything has to be purchased brand new or name brand- you can donate old blankets and towels or shop for items at the dollar store and still make a huge difference. You can also ask local businesses to host donation bins and host raffles and giveaways to boost participation.
Host or Help Organize an Adoption Event
If you have ability and resources to host or organize an adoption event, this is a huge opportunity to help animals get adopted. Maybe you have a retail store in a strip mall and can rally businesses together to do a sidewalk sale and adoption event? Or, perhaps you are involved in craft fairs and can start inviting rescues to have an adoption booth? If organizing groups around a common goal is your super power, this is the action item for you!
Donate Time (Use Your Skills)
If you have some free time on your hands, donating portions of that time is a great way to make a difference. Shelters need help with dog walking, kennel cleaning, social media posting, dog transporting, and so much more. If you’re able to give a couple of hours a week to helping the shelter, you can make a huge difference! If you have a particular skill or expertise, this is a great way to get involved. For example, Cheyenne Chavez Photography chooses to donate time photographing adoptable dogs to help them make better first impressions online. People with dog training experience often choose to donate time training adoptable dogs basic leash manners. Groomers donate time giving matted dogs much needed haircuts. Web developers may choose to help rescues with their websites. Accountants may choose to help a 501c3 with taxes. It may seem small, but the possibilities are endless, and small donations of time like this are hugely helpful to animals in need!
Use Your Platform
If you have a social media following, blog, YouTube channel, or other platform, a great way to help is to use your platform to spread awareness. Share your local shelter’s posts, attend community events and share photos and videos with your audience, collaborate with other creators who want to help in the same way. There are so many ways to spread information and make a difference, and it all starts with you!
Shop Affiliate Links
This one may seem odd, but affiliate link programs with companies like Amazon can be hugely helpful to nonprofit organizations and shelters! Ask local rescues if they have an affiliate shopping program. If they do, any product you buy through that program will give them a portion of the profit. It seems simple, but it can add up to lots of free money for the rescue!

There are so many ways to make a difference for shelters and rescues in today’s world. If we all committ to small, intentional actions like these 5 ideas, we can change the world!

If you’d like to learn more about Cheyenne Chavez Photography’s Shelter Program, click the link below!

cheyennechavez.com/shelterprogram