There's a place in your community where the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, and the abandoned are provided care. It's your local animal shelter, which provides comfort and care for unwanted animals.

Your shelter also offers many other services for pets and their owners—and even for people without pets. To do all this, it relies on support from people like you. Here are a few ways you can help animals, especially at your local shelter:

• Give a little bit. Donate food, old blankets, towels, or other needed supplies. Contribute to one of its special programs.
• Lend a hand. Volunteer your time. Bathe and groom the animals, walk dogs, or play with cats. Stuff envelopes for a mailing. Help publicize an event.
• Find that special someone. Choose your next pet from your local shelter, which has many wonderful dogs and cats, in different shapes and sizes, just waiting for a permanent, loving home.
• Help spread the word. Tell your friends about your shelter's services. Promote animal safety and responsible pet ownership. Celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week during the first full week of November.
• Be a responsible pet owner. Keep current identification on your dog or cat at all times. Spay or neuter your pet. Always keep your dog or cat properly confined or supervised. In addition to the basics—food, water, shelter, and veterinary care—give your pet lots of love and attention.
• Vote for the animals. Support legislation to protect animals. Contact government officials and urge them to support pro-animal legislation.
• Be a hero. Report animal cruelty and neglect as well as injured or stray animals. You may prevent suffering and even save a life.
• Teach your children well. Instruct children in how to care for animals properly and how to treat them with kindness. Set an example by doing the same.