Local shelters don’t hit pause on helping animals in need during the holidays.
In fact, this holiday season could pose some unique challenges. According to USA TODAY, animal shelters nationwide have become overrun with pets surrendered by families who can no longer afford their care with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on pause during the government shutdown, although USA TODAY reported via Scipps News on Nov. 17 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to have disbursed all November payments by that day.
Humane Society of St. Joseph County Outreach Coordinator Matt Russell said that although the Humane Society has yet to see a major uptick in animals arriving at its doors, its emergency Pet Food Bank program — which provides a monthly bag of dog or cat food to pet owners in need — has been assisting more families.
South Bend Animal Resource Center (SBARC) Director Brittni Gendron said about 1,400 animals have passed through SBARC so far in 2025, compared to about 1,000 by this point last year.
Organizations like the Humane Society, SBARC and Pet Refuge look to volunteers and donations to keep shelters running. Here are some ways you can help:
How to volunteer at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County offers year-round volunteer opportunities for folks as young as 8 years old. Generally, the Humane Society asks that volunteers commit to at least two shifts per month, but it can be flexible based on people’s schedules, Russell said.
One of the most popular opportunities is cat socialization, where volunteers visit the community cat room and pet, play with, and even read to or listen to music with under-socialized cats.
“Socialization really helps get them more comfortable with people, and that, obviously, helps when people want to come meet and potentially adopt them,” Russell said.
Volunteers 16 and older can also help with dog walking. Additional opportunities include creating enrichment toys, helping clean the shelter and organizing donated items. The Humane Society maintains a donation wish list on its website.
“Our most common need is wet cat food,” Russell said. “We’ve been going through about 160 cans of cat food every day. We often need dry dog food, as well.”
This holiday season, the Humane Society invites businesses, churches and community spaces to set up a “Wish Tree” in their space. You provide your own Christmas tree, and the Humane Society will supply ornaments that feature adoptable pets on one side and a QR code linking to the shelter wish list on the other. Interested in hosting a Wish Tree? Email Outreach@HumaneSocietySTJC.org.
How to volunteer at Pet Refuge
Pet Refuge relies almost entirely on volunteers for everything from cleaning to office work to social media marketing.
Pet Refuge’s Nancy Whiteman said the organization primarily looks for regular, committed volunteers to work four-hour morning or afternoon shifts caring for either cats or dogs. Responsibilities include feeding, playing with and cleaning up after the animals. A full list of volunteer opportunities is available at the shelter’s website.
Those who can’t commit to regular shifts can still give their time at Pet Refuge’s fundraisers and off-site events throughout the year, Whiteman said. The best way to get involved and stay up-to-date with those is at petrefuge.com/copy-of-ongoing-fundraisers or on Pet Refuge’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Another way to help is by fostering a dog or cat in your home until they are ready to be adopted. Pet Refuge provides foster parents with the necessary food, medicine and supplies.
“The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can take at the shelter,” Whiteman said. “We also have some animals that are permanent fosters — usually an older cat or dog, maybe with some health problems, that would be better for them not to be at the shelter.”
Pet Refuge also has an online Wish List.
Each holiday season, it also raises money through its “Tree of Lights,” where people can donate a bow for $5, dog or cat treats for $10, or a personalized ornament for $20. From Jan. 5 to Feb. 28, donors may pick up their ornament from the shelter.
On Dec. 6, Pet Refuge will hold its annual “Christmas Bazaar” with raffles, a bake sale, pictures with Santa and adoptions available at 4626 S. Burnett Drive.
How to volunteer at the South Bend Animal Resource Center
The South Bend Animal Resource Center (SBARC) welcomes volunteers with a variety of schedules — great for high school or college students who might have some extra time over winter break.
“We have one lady who volunteers seven days a week, 365 days a year. We have some that come in once a month. The frequency is whatever works best for you,” Gendron said.
Those interested should fill out the volunteer application on SBARC’s website. Volunteers must be 14 or older and attend an orientation. Opportunities include socializing cats and dogs, cleaning, groundskeeping, and more. Gendron said volunteers 18 and older enjoy walking dogs at Kennedy Park, located just across the street from SBARC.
SBARC accepts donated pet supplies and food during business hours. You can also send these items directly to the shelter through a subscription service or online marketplace like Amazon.
“Food donations are huge, and kitty litter, too …,” Gendron said. “We will not say ‘no’ to food. The critters always need to eat.”
Where to adopt a cat or dog in South Bend
Adoption is a big commitment. But — if you have the time, space and love to give — below are some local organizations to check out if you’re looking to adopt a new furry family member. Many also offer volunteer and foster opportunities.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Want to help animals in need? Here are three ways this holiday season.
Reporting by Claire Reid, Special to The Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
