For one week out of the year community members, animal lovers, and grateful pet guardians come together to celebrate their local shelter. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 6–12, is the perfect time to recognize the organization dedicated to animals in your community. Here are ten ways to show shelters you care this week—and throughout the year.

1. Adopt a best friend. Studies have shown that people with pets have lower stress levels, and are better able to cope with loneliness. Find out if you have what it takes to provide a safe and loving home to a pet, and learn more about adopting from your local animal shelter. When you're ready to adopt, go to Pets911.com to find animals in your area, then learn how to apply for a free pet health screening from Banfield, The Pet Hospital. 

2. Take a tour. Never been inside an animal shelter? Take an hour out of your day to stop by your local shelter during public hours, and see firsthand how things work. If you'd like to become more involved, find out how you can become a volunteer. Allison Miller, a volunteer at the Lancaster County Humane League in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, uses her skills as a graphic designer to produce the shelter newsletter and other publications. "The staff is absolutely wonderful and greatly appreciative, and I absolutely love what I do," she said.

3. Keep on giving. Many animal shelters struggle financially so every penny helps. Donating to your local shelter is as simple as writing a check and dropping it in the mail, or picking up an item on the shelter's wish list during your next shopping trip.

4. Connect with kids. Help children learn the importance of being kind to animals. Find out how easy it is to educate—whether it's an entire classroom or a single child.

5. Be committed. Providing shelter, water, and quality food is important, but it's not the only thing involved in being a responsible and caring pet guardian. It's also essential that your pet have current identification tags, and is properly confined or supervised while outdoors. Keep your pet healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations by visiting the veterinarian regularly, and give your pet lots of love and attention. For additional guidance on pet care, visit PetsforLife.org.

6. Expect the unexpected. Local shelters are often on the front lines during natural disasters such as hurricanes. Would you know what to do in the event of a flood, tornado or fire? Learn how to help animals in your community, including your own pet, whether it's a disaster, an emergency or an accident.

7. Stay alert. Your local shelter and animal control agency not only take in homeless animals, but also rescue injured, abused or neglected critters. Assist them by helping injured animals in your neighborhood, and letting them know if you suspect animal cruelty in your community.

8. Spread the word. Does your community understand and appreciate the local shelter's dedication to animals? Tell your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors about the importance of supporting animal shelters and their staff.

9. Do your part. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community. Jennifer Thompson of Dayton, Maryland, helped to ease her local shelter's burden by offering to have a barn cat spayed at her expense. "Spaying and neutering your pet is important because it helps keep the animal population down. Our shelters are already overcrowded with unwanted pets," Thompson said. Learn more about why spaying/neutering is important, and how you can find affordable options.

10. Two simple words. The words "thank you" are powerful, but since animals can't speak, it's up to community members to let shelter workers know just how much their commitment to animals is appreciated. Send a letter, card or e-mail to your local shelter, and let them know you care.