10 simple ways to help animals – without spending lots of time or money

With the state of the world, it can be hard to feel as if you’re ever doing enough — especially without endless pots of cash.

But when it comes to animals and nature, there are actually a lot of simple things you can do that will make a big difference.

The great thing is that, in doing any of them, you’ll make the world a better place and boost your own mood at the same time.

None of the following ideas require a lot of money, and you can easily incorporate them into or around your family, work and social life.

And you don’t need to try to do them all. Even one or two things from this list will make a big difference, so take a look and find how you can help animals with a few simple changes.

1. Volunteer at a sanctuary

Giving your time is actually one of the best things you can do for non-profits and charities, so don’t make the mistake of assuming they’ll only want to hear from you if you have money to donate.

There are so many volunteering options out there – whether you have a few hours to spare, or days, weeks, or months.

At Jacobs Ridge animal sanctuary in Spain, you can combine volunteering with a getaway in the sunshine.

After years of limited travel, this sort of volunteering is a win/win, as you get to go on holiday, experience a different culture, and do some good all at the same time.

Jacobs Ridge also employs longer term, live-in volunteers for a range of roles, so if you have a break in work or study then you could choose to volunteer for three months or more. If you’re craving special times with rescued farmed animals, then this will be the place for you.

There’s also lots you can do in the UK. At Pigs in the Wood in West Yorkshire, you can volunteer to care for the pigs directly, or lend your skills and strength to help out on one of their maintenance days.

If travelling to a sanctuary or giving chunks of time is difficult, you can volunteer in all sorts of other ways.

Hillside animal sanctuary in Norwich is always looking for people to distribute their leaflets, which can be done much closer to home – posting them through neighbours’ doors or flyering local shops or restaurants, for example.

If you can get to a nearby event, you could also represent a sanctuary with a stand or a talk. Many sanctuaries rely on volunteer support for their social media or email newsletters, so you can even offer to help out online from the comfort of your table or couch.

2. Amplify messages on social media

This is such an easy thing to do anytime and from anywhere, but it’s hugely valuable.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are forever changing their algorithms and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to be noticed for non-profits that don’t have the budget for paid advertising or the expertise of digital professionals behind them.

Regularly sharing posts and messages to your friends and followers will boost the performance of sanctuary profiles and increase their chances of being seen organically.

It only takes a few seconds for you, but it could make a big difference in terms of awareness and donations for them.

Don’t be afraid to be visible in your support of the places you care about, and never underestimate the power of a share.

3. Cook and serve vegan food

Speaking of things you do every day… Don’t forget the power of good food!

Don’t change your menu when you cater for others – welcome them in with great vegan meals instead. From sausage and mash to a big vegan roast dinner, there’s a crowd favourite for everyone regardless of what they’d normally eat.

Every plant-based meal is an animal saved, especially if the main ingredient would otherwise be chicken or fish, so if you have power to influence the dining choice, then grab it enthusiastically with both hands.

4. Provide walking, cleaning and company at shelters

Just like with farmed animal sanctuaries, the rescues and shelters that are home to abandoned and unwanted dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other small furries are also in need of help.

Offering your time for tasks like dog walking, cleaning and animal companionship is a great thing to do. What could be more enjoyable for animal lovers than hands-on time with pups and moggies?

Get in touch with your local RSPCA or independent rescue centre and find out what they need help with.

5. Donate bedding, blankets and other items

Caring for never-ending numbers of unwanted animals takes a lot of stuff. Your old blankets, towels and bedding could provide warmth and comfort for lots of little souls, so bundle them together and deliver them to the drop-off point of your local rescue.

Be sure to check with them first to make sure the items are needed, however, as you’ll just be causing extra headaches if they don’t. Don’t assume that everything is donatable – most shelters cannot accept feather duvets for hygiene reasons, for example.

Items like bowls, toys, dog leads, litter trays and beds are always in high demand, so if you’re replacing anything for your own animals, consider giving away anything that’s still in good condition.

6. Home checks

Another way to volunteer is to become a registered ‘home checker’ for adopted animals. All training is provided, and you’ll become an essential arm of the adoption process: checking homes and families for suitability, and providing animal care advice.

This is a ‘behind the scenes’ service that many people are unaware of, but home checkers are almost always volunteers and are vital.

7. Amazon wish lists

Lots of rescue centres have online shopping lists for in-demand items like food, treats, litter and hay.

You can purchase for direct delivery and feel assured that what you’re sending is very much in need.

8. Foster an animal

Fosterers are absolutely essential to rescues and shelters, and it takes a very special person to be one. Typically for dogs and cats, you’ll share your home with animals up for adoption for the short-term.

Fosterers provide security and comfort for animals who are scared or nervous in kennels, or help them to get accustomed to a home environment.

Just like the people who work permanently in rescue, animal fosterers are heroes. As someone who has adopted many animals from a foster home, I am genuinely in awe of fosterers.

They provide a huge layer of comfort and reassurance to adopters, as they know the animal inside out and can fill you in on all their little quirks – our animals’ foster mums feel like family and I will be forever grateful to them.

9. Fundraise

Whether it’s a 5km run or a marathon, a 30-day vegan challenge, a head shave, or a gig, there’s a fundraising opportunity out there for you! Doing something impressive to raise cash is a brilliant option whether you regularly donate or not, as it raises awareness as well as money.

Crowdfunding platforms like Just Giving and Go Fund Me make it easy to fundraise and share the story behind it, so set up a free profile and have a think about your options.

Some rescues and sanctuaries may have also secured fundraising places for bigger events like the London Marathon, so you can also get in touch with your chosen cause to ask what you could do to fundraise for them.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you – according to the latest data, people are more inclined to want to donate to good causes after the past two years.

10. Donate

In the world of animal rescue, money is always tight. So if you can, set up payments for little and often, rather than larger irregular amounts. The shelter can then rely on it as part of their monthly ‘income’.

Even a few quid each month will make a difference, and the more people who help out in this way, the better it will be for the animals.

Want to do even more to help animals? Learn how to make your garden wildlife-friendly

Featured photo © andyborodaty via Adobe Stock