National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is April 30, and across Aggieland, tails are wagging, kittens are playing and plenty of animals are waiting to meet their people.
Ready for a new best friend? Shelters are a great place to start. Many adoptable pets go home with important first steps already taken care of, including spay or neuter surgery, vaccines and microchipping. When you adopt, you give a second chance and help make room
Not ready to adopt? That’s OK. There are still plenty of ways to get involved.
Foster
Have time and space for a temporary guest? Try fostering. Think of it as being a pet’s “cool aunt” or “fun friend.” You get the cuddles, the playtime and the satisfaction of helping an animal adjust to home life without the long-term responsibility. In many cases, costs are also covered. Some local shelters even offer a dog’s day out program, where you can take an animal out for the day and experience all the pet perks. Bonus: You’re giving a shelter pet a break while helping shelters care for more animals.
Volunteer
Have time to give but can’t foster? Volunteering might be your thing. Shelters offer a variety of volunteer opportunities based on interests and comfort level. For animal lovers seeking a more hands-on experience, you can walk the dogs, play with cats or assist with training through enrichment activities. Volunteers can also support the shelter by assisting with office tasks or helping at community events. Even an hour can make a huge difference for animals who need attention, exercise and a break from their kennels.
Donate
Short on time? Shelters can always use supplies and financial support. Food, bedding, toys, cleaning supplies and other everyday essentials help keep animals safe, healthy and comfortable while they wait for homes. Monetary donations can also help cover veterinary care, shelter operations and other ongoing needs. Check each shelter’s wish list to see what they need most.
Share
Shelters often post about lost pets, adoptable pets, adoption specials, donation needs and volunteer opportunities on their social media platforms. Sharing or engaging with those posts helps more people see them, which can help pets find homes, reunite with their owners or connect shelters with the support they need. A simple share can go a long way.
Stay Involved
May is National Pet Month, making it a great time to support local shelters, pets in need and responsible pet ownership. One of the most effective ways to help shelters is to make sure your pets are spayed or neutered before an accidental litter occurs. Check with your local shelter to ask about voucher opportunities for affordable spay/neuter services.
May is also Chip Your Pet Month, a national awareness campaign that encourages pet owners to microchip their pets and keep their contact information updated. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification and gives you the best chance of being reunited with your pet if it gets lost or stolen.
Awareness days and months are a great place to start, but helping animals is something we can do all year. Whether you’re bringing home a new best friend, signing up to foster, volunteering your time, donating supplies, sharing a shelter post or caring responsibly for your own pets, you’re part of something bigger happening right here in Bryan-College Station.
Helping animals doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to start.
Local Shelters
Published: April 29, 2026
Written by: Elizabeth Drake ’26
