You Want to Help, But Can’t Adopt. Now What?
Every day, we meet wonderful, compassionate people in our Toledo community who want to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.
Their hearts are in the right place, but for many, bringing a new pet home simply isn’t an option right now. Maybe it’s a landlord’s rule, a busy schedule, or the financial commitment.
We see you, and we understand. But what if we told you that opening your home is just one piece of the puzzle?
The truth is, it takes a village to run a rescue and sanctuary like Operation Saves. Our dual mission—saving vulnerable animals and empowering at-risk youth and individuals with disabilities through vital job training—relies on a vast network of community support. Adoption is the ultimate goal, but it’s not the only way to be a hero.
Here are five essential, high-impact ways you can support our mission, providing the supplies, snuggles, and support our animals and community members desperately need.
1. Donate Essential Supplies
Our shelter is a home, and just like any home, it requires constant upkeep. We have a perpetual need for basic supplies that keep our residents healthy, comfortable, and safe. Things like pet food, cat litter, durable toys, cleaning supplies, and warm blankets are the everyday essentials that make our life-saving work possible.
A simple bag of food doesn’t just fill a belly; it provides the nourishment an underweight dog needs to regain strength. A warm blanket doesn’t just offer comfort; it soothes a scared, newly surrendered cat. Your donation of supplies has an immediate, tangible impact.
How to help: Check out our regularly updated Amazon and Chewy Wish Lists to see exactly what our animals need most right now.
2. Volunteer Your Time and Talents
One of the most valuable gifts you can give is your time. While walking dogs and socializing cats are critical volunteer roles (the “snuggles” are important!), your unique skills can help in countless other ways.
Are you an organized administrator? A talented photographer? A savvy social media user? A friendly face who can help at community events? We need you. Your professional talents can help us write grants, market adoptable animals, or manage our front desk. This work not only keeps our shelter running smoothly but also provides a supportive environment for the youth and individuals with disabilities participating in our Community Outreach mission.
How to help: Fill out our Volunteer Application to tell us more about your skills and interests.
3. Become a Foster Parent
Our physical shelter has limits, but our community’s capacity for love does not. Fostering is one of the most direct ways to save a life, as it opens up a kennel for another animal in urgent need.
A foster home provides a quiet, low-stress environment for animals who need it most: shy dogs who need a confidence boost, kittens too young for the shelter, or pets recovering from medical procedures. It also gives us invaluable insight into an animal’s true personality, helping us make the perfect forever-home match. We provide the supplies and cover all the medical costs—you provide the love and a temporary safe haven.
How to help: Fill out a Foster Application today.
4. Make a Monetary Donation
As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of our community to fund everything we do. While supply donations are incredible, monetary gifts give us the flexibility to address the most urgent needs at a moment’s notice.
These funds cover critical expenses like emergency veterinary care, life-saving surgeries, spay/neuter procedures, facility utilities, and the resources needed to run our job training programs. Every single dollar contributes directly to our mission of saving animals and helping people. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, your financial support makes a world of difference.
How to help: You can make a monetary Donation securely on our website.
5. Be Our Ambassador
Can’t donate supplies, time, or money? You can still be a powerful advocate for our cause.
Become our ambassador in the community. Share our Facebook posts of adoptable animals. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about our unique mission and the work we do. Correct misinformation about shelter pets and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Your voice has the power to educate, inspire, and connect us with the perfect adopter, volunteer, or donor. Never underestimate the power of a share or a conversation.
You Are the Key to Our Mission
Adoption changes one animal’s life forever, but these five actions uplift our entire organization. They provide the foundation of support that allows us to say “yes” when we get a call about an animal in need.
If you’re ready to make a difference, please choose one of these paths today. Your support, in any form, is an act of compassion that ripples through our community, saving animals and building a better future for everyone we serve.
Ready to take the next step?
- Donate items from our Amazon and Chewy wish lists
- Sign up to Volunteer
- Apply to be a Foster
- Make a monetary Donation
- Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok
- Or if you are ready to meet your new fur-ever friend, check out our list of Available Pets and submit an Adoption Application today!
Disclaimer: All potential adopters are subject to an extensive application and approval process to ensure proper placement and care for our animals. The information provided in our blog is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary or certified training advice.
