Animals
Create the change partners with nonprofits we think have good opportunities for youth and that are interested in connecting with more kids, teens and families.
Animals
Did you know:
- 1 million animal species and plants are now facing extinction due to the current climate emergency.
- ~6.5 million U.S. pets go to shelters every year.
- 1.5 million dogs and cats are killed at shelters each year because they aren’t adopted or shelters don’t have room to fit them all.
- ~10,000 organizations are working to rescue animals in North America alone.
How can you take action today?
Whether it’s a homeless pet or an endangered creature in the wild, there are lots of ways you can give back to the animals in your community – and around the world.
- Donate to a shelter. It takes hundreds of pounds of food and supplies to feed and care for animals in shelters every day. Start a goods drive to collect food, blankets, toys, and more, and donate to an animal shelter near you. Be sure to contact the shelter you want to support first to see what they really need.
- Volunteer at a shelter. Another way to give back to local shelters and zoos is to volunteer your time to help with things like cleaning and feeding and to offer an extra set of hands to care for the animals. Many have programs for teens and some welcome younger kids accompanied by adults. Attending educational programs offered by shelters and rescue organizations can also be powerful, so you can spread the word to others about what’s going on and how to help.
- Become a foster family. If your family is able, you can provide a temporary, loving home to a shelter animal and get them ready for adoption (while also opening up space at the shelter).
- Make a toy or blanket for a homeless pet. Love crafts and making things with your hands? You can make a braided toy or a quilt or no-sew blanket to help a pet in a shelter feel a little more comfortable until they find their forever home.
- Find a service opportunity near you. Pick an issue or project in your community that speaks to you – and speak up for what matters. Start your search now!
Educational Activities
Be a voice for animals in need!
1 - 2 hrs
Be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves - educate your community about humane animal treatment and how to make an immediate impact on the unhoused animal overpopulation problem!
Dog Biscuit Bake Sale
1 - 2 hrs
Selling homemade dog cookies is a yummy way to help the animals. After baking, package the cookies in bags with colorful ribbon and sell them to your neighbors or at a local dog park.
To foster means to care for an animal in your home. As a foster parent, you are a hero! You create a vital link in the network that saves animals in Santa Clara County. In return for your care, you ...
DIY @Home Catnip Pillows!
30 - 60-Minutes
DIY catnip pillows for shelter cats and kittens!
Cat Toys Made with Toilet Paper Rolls - DIY @ Home #2!
30 - 60-Minutes
Stop throwing away your toilet paper rolls and help engage our cat and kitten friends to play!
DIY Cat Toys Made with TOILET PAPER ROLLS!
30 - 60-Minutes
Stop throwing away your toilet paper rolls and help engage our cat and kitten friends! Make the most of toilet paper rolls and create toys for cats and kittens!
Donate Gently Used Pet Items!
30-Minutes or Less
Just like you, dogs need collars, leashes, pet carriers, toys, treats and other items to stay happy and healthy. Give the gift of supplies to dogs from families who cannot afford them. We take ...
Fulfill Our Wishlist!
3 - 4+ hrs
Just like you, dogs need toys, blankets, food and other items to stay happy and healthy. Give the gift of supplies to dogs from families who cannot afford supplies. They will thank you from the tips ...
Karma Rescue works to keep pets with their loving families and out of LA's shelters. We help provide families with dog training, veterinary care and free spay/ neuter services. Helping pets stay ...
Make blankets for pets in need!
1 - 2 hrs
Have fun crafting these blankets for pets from lower-SES families. Together, we can ensure that all families can experience the love of a furry friend!
Make toys for dogs in need
1 - 2 hrs
Have fun crafting these braided dog toys for dogs from low-income families. Their pet parents cannot afford to buy them lots of toys so they will be so grateful to receive any made by you! They will ...
Reading to the Rescue with Dogs!
30 - 60-Minutes
Aid. Educate. Advocate. This is an excellent opportunity for kids to partner with their canine friends and practice their reading skills! Doesn't matter how old you are, we all love to listen to ...
Become a MSPCA Young Ambassador
Multi-day
Introducing the MSPCA Young Ambassador program! This new virtual program is open to anyone 15 years of ageor younger who would like to get involved! Rewards of being an MSPCA Young Ambassador ...
Free Movie Ticket for Donated Items!
30-Minutes or Less
Donate pet supplies at Capitol Theatre's Box Office or Concession Stand and receive a free movie ticket. Items must have a minimum value of $5 to qualify for a ticket. Value of used items is up to ...
Keep Families and Pets Together
30 - 60-Minutes
People are losing the ability to pay for essential supplies and veterinary care for pets. Support us by filling and decorating ziplock bags of dry dog and/or cat food. "While our adoption programs ...
Become a Foster Care Family
Multi-day
We rely on a dedicated group of foster volunteers to help us in our mission of saving animals' lives. While we provide the training, supplies, veterinary care and support, our volunteers provide the ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making treats!
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making beds! Completed service projects may be ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making treats!
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be ...
Easy Recipe for Valentine Dog Treats
30-Minutes or Less
Treat your furry Valentine to something special this year by whipping up this easy DIY dog treat recipe!
DIY Cat Beds
1 - 2 hrs
SGV Animal Advocates wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the ...
Town Cats has rescued, helped, and adopted out thousands of cats to loving families. Our Mission is to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa Clara County and ...
Supply Drive for Cats and Kitties
30-Minutes or Less
It takes hundreds of pounds of food and supplies to feed and care for the many cats and kittens served by Heaven on Earth Society each year. We are always in need of the items on our wish list. You ...
What's more fun than running a lemonade stand? How about running a lemonade stand and actually getting to see the animals you're helping with the money you raise?! At the MSPCA, one of the best ways ...
Join us as an Adoption Counselor and help set up for weekend adoption fairs, interview potential adopters, and process adoption paperwork. Town Cats is a nonprofit volunteer-based no-kill cat and ...
Join the Town Cats team as a Clean Care Volunteer and help clean cages, feed, and socialize cats and kittens at our adoption centers. Town Cats is a nonprofit volunteer-based no-kill cat and kitten ...
As a member of the Santa Clara County WECARE Coalition, a partnership between local city shelters, Town Cats provides transportation volunteers for the spay, neuter and return Feral Freedom Program ...
The Teen Ambassador Program (TAP)
Multi-day
Launched in 2016, TAP offers a novel approach to youth in service. A combination of teamwork skills, education, character building and philanthropy, TAP is truly the new face of teen community ...
Help Out in the Barn
3 - 4+ hrs
Barn volunteers assist the Barn Manager with chores, such as mucking stalls, sweeping the aisle and cleaning and filling water buckets.
Little Bookworms Story Time
30 - 60-Minutes
The -Little Bookworms story time provides an age appropriate activity that fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion in our youngest visitors. We invite our community's youngest animal lovers ...
Rescue Readers!
30 - 60-Minutes
Looking for an activity that will boost your six- to ten-year old's reading confidence and help animals at the same time? Register for the Rescue Readers Program! Accompanied by a parent or guardian, ...
The Junior Volunteer Program
1 - 2 hrs
The Junior Volunteer program allows kids ages 11-15 to see what it is like to volunteer at the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center. Sessions take place select Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and ...
Donations help support Pasadena Humane. Do-it-yourself fundraising events can raise money and/or pet supplies that help animals in our care. Our team is always here to help you get creative with ...
Bike or Pet Wash
1 - 2 hrs
Hold a Bike or Pet Wash to support CKP's Kindness Kits
Life Enrichment Assistant
1 - 2 hrs
Life Enrichment Assistant will support the Life Enrichment department with activities. These activities include exercise, plant therapy, creative arts, discussion groups, helping at our live ...
Animals
30 - 60-Minutes
Our staff and volunteers are happy to do a virtual presentation for your classroom or group to discuss a variety of important topics, including the mission of the MSPCA and ways in which each of us ...
Additional Resources
- One Green Planet - In addition to ways to save the planet, One Green Planet also has tips for kids who want to help animals.
- National Geographic Kids - See how you can use your voice to raise awareness.
- Endangered Species Coalition - Some animals are fighting for their lives. Learn ways you can save endangered species wherever you live.
- ASPCA - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.
Our Nonprofit Partners
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
Town Cats of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CA
Town Cats works to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa...
Heaven on Earth
North Hollywood, CA
The mission of Heaven on Earth Society for Animals is to transform the lives of homeless cats...
Heaven on Earth
North Hollywood, CA
The mission of Heaven on Earth Society for Animals is to transform the lives of homeless cats...
Heaven on Earth
North Hollywood, CA
The mission of Heaven on Earth Society for Animals is to transform the lives of homeless cats...
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
Karma Rescue
Santa Monica, CA
Our mission is to end economic euthanasia of pets and prevent shelter-overcrowding by providing...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Create the Change®
No one is too young to make a long-lasting difference. We can build a more empathetic and equitable...
SGV Animal Advocates
San Dimas, CA
SGV Animal Advocates wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single...
Town Cats of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CA
Town Cats works to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa...
Heaven on Earth
North Hollywood, CA
The mission of Heaven on Earth Society for Animals is to transform the lives of homeless cats...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
Town Cats of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CA
Town Cats works to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa...
Town Cats of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CA
Town Cats works to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa...
Town Cats of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CA
Town Cats works to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa...
BINA Farm Center
Lexington, MA
BINA Farm Center brings together individuals with and without special needs by offering a variety...
Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program, Inc
Lincoln, Massachusetts
In a fun, supportive environment, Lovelane provides high-quality therapeutic horseback riding to...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
MSPCA- Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center
Jamaica Plain, MA
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary...
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena , CA
To provide compassion and care to all animals. Pasadena Humane is a donor-supported, nonprofit...
Mott Haven Fridge Network
Bronx, NY
A non-profit organization fighting food insecurity by filling community fridges in uptown Manhattan...