How to help dogs in shelters during winter - a practical guide
Winter is a time when the daily operations of shelters become more challenging. Low temperatures, humidity, and short days mean that dogs need more attention, better conditions, and additional support. At the same time, it's a period when many people want to help, but don't always know where to start and what kind of help is most needed.
Before you start helping
Every shelter operates under different conditions. They vary in the number of animals, technical facilities, and storage capabilities. Therefore, before providing help, it is best to contact the chosen shelter directly and verify their current needs.
A brief conversation or message allows you to:
- check what needs are current
- plan your assistance in a way that will truly be useful
Insulating beds and kennels
In winter, shelter dogs are particularly vulnerable to frost and dampness. Contact with cold surfaces and changing weather conditions mean that proper insulation is essential.
The most commonly used materials are:
- straw - insulates well and does not absorb moisture
- blankets and fleeces - as an additional layer for increased comfort
- towels - practical where frequent changing is necessary
It's worth remembering that in winter, these materials wear out faster than in other seasons. Blankets and towels become damp, get damaged, and require regular replacement, which is why shelters need them throughout the entire winter season, not just once.
Food and daily necessities
In colder months, dogs use more energy to stay warm. Therefore, an adequate amount of food is one of the most important elements of support.
Most often needed are:
- good quality wet and dry food
- food for older dogs or those requiring a special diet
Food is a form of help used every day. However, the quality of the food is important, not just the quantity of the cheapest option. If you are unable to provide it, financial support is equally valuable.
Financial support - regularity, not amount, is what matters
Not everyone can help with material goods, but even the smallest donations truly matter, especially if they are given regularly.
For shelters, it's important to have:
- consistent, predictable support
- the ability to plan current expenses
Good solutions include:
- small, regular transfers (e.g., PLN 5 per month)
- sponsoring a shelter or a specific dog
- regular support for fundraisers
This allows shelters to respond more quickly to the animals' needs and better plan daily care.
Walks and exercise - not just volunteering
Helping with dog walking does not always have to mean permanent volunteering. Many shelters allow outsiders to walk dogs, without a volunteer agreement, after a brief on-site instruction.
This is a good option for people who:
- want to help occasionally
- cannot commit long-term
- have limited time
Exercise is important even in winter. Walks help dogs maintain condition, warm up, and relieve stress. Even a short walk matters, especially in colder months. Additionally, during walks, we help with dog socialization, human contact, and leash training – these are important things in the process of preparing a dog for a new, better life!
Remote assistance
Not everyone can help in person, but remote support also has a real impact.
You can:
- share adoption announcements
- participate in online fundraisers
- purchase items from wish lists published by shelters
These are simple actions that truly support the daily work of facilities.
Temporary home in winter - responsible support
During winter, many shelters offer the possibility of providing a dog with a temporary home. This is a form of help that requires a conscious and responsible approach.
A temporary home usually means:
- providing the dog with safe, calm conditions
- regular walks, feeding, and daily care
- cooperation with the shelter or foundation
- adhering to established rules (e.g., vet visits, contact regarding adoption)
A temporary home is not an adoption, but temporary support that relieves the shelter and provides the dog with more stable conditions during the most difficult time of the year. This is a responsible decision, and before making it, it's worth discussing all details with the shelter.
1.5% of tax - a simple way to help
Donating 1.5% of your tax is one of the easiest ways to support shelters and foundations. It's worth remembering that these funds can only be donated to public benefit organizations (OPP).
How to check this in practice:
- many shelters and foundations indicate on their websites whether they have OPP status
- they often provide a ready-made KRS number and instructions on how to donate 1.5%
- if you do not designate an organization in your PIT tax return, these funds will simply not go to help animals
This is a form of support that costs nothing, yet genuinely helps in the daily functioning of shelters and animal welfare organizations.
Helping dogs in shelters during winter relies on simple, well-thought-out actions. Every form of help matters if it's tailored to real needs and consulted with the shelter. Regularity, attentiveness, and cooperation are most important, as they truly alleviate the daily work of shelters and improve the comfort of dogs during the most challenging period.
That's why we at BeBobi also help in several ways: we donate our accessories to shelters and foundations for bazaars, from which they raise funds for ongoing activities; we provide financial support by making donations and sewing leashes for walking dogs in shelters. We use our social media to share important information. We are particularly close to the cooperation with the Animal Shelter in Gaj, with whom we created a joint "bieGAJ" collection. Accessories with this print can be bought in the store, but most importantly, they go to the shelter's "brick-a-brack" where they are sold precisely to help - because all proceeds from this sale support the shelter. Check out the collection.
And in winter, when conditions are really difficult, we try to react even more concretely. We recently donated insulating mats to the Shelter in Gaj, so the dogs could be warmer in their kennels and have at least a little more comfort. ?
Helping truly makes sense and provides immense satisfaction!