MUTTS Shelter Stories
A little kindness can make a big difference.
Every animal shelter has a story, and behind every story is a community of people working to make life better for animals in need. We know how much love, hard work, and hope goes into caring for animals, and how much we can learn from the people who do it every day.
We want to share some of those stories with you, celebrate the animals and people at the heart of them, and explore the many ways we can all lend a hand.
25 Ways to Help Your Local Shelter
Every animal shelter needs a community, and there's a place for you in it.
We recently invited shelter workers, volunteers, and other animal lovers from the MUTTS community to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for making shelters stronger. We wanted to learn more about the people who dedicate their time to helping animals, and how the rest of us can lend a hand. One thing became clear: There are countless ways to help, and every act of kindness matters.
After reading more than 2,000 responses, we've put together 25 Ways to Help Your Local Animal Shelter, a collection of ideas for anyone who wants to make a difference. Some involve spending time with animals, while others make use of everyday skills, hobbies, or resources. Some can even be done right from home. You don't need to be an expert or make a huge commitment. Just find something that feels possible for you, and start there.
Explore the 25 ideas below, and check with your local shelter or rescue organization to learn about the opportunities and needs in your own community. There's a place for you.
Spread More Kindness
Want to help spread the word? We've made these 25 ideas easy to save, print, and share. Scroll to the bottom of this page for downloadable PDFs . You never know who might be inspired to lend a hand.
Download the Free PDF
Keep these ideas close and help inspire kindness wherever you go! Download our free printable PDF below.
DOWNLOAD THE 25 WAYS PDFPut Kindness On Display
Brighten your favorite space with our full-color, 11" x 17" poster featuring all 25 ways to help your local animal shelter. A cheerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference for animals and the people who care for them.
PURCHASE THE POSTER"Your stories through the comic strips always inspire me! Every year I sponsor a kennel at our shelter." — Lora, a MUTTS reader from Panora, Iowa
Explore MUTTS Shelter Stories
In 1998, Patrick McDonnell created the first-ever MUTTS Shelter Stories, a special week of comic strips inspired by National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, which tell stories through the eyes of shelter animals. Since then, Shelter Stories have appeared twice each year, shining a light on adoption, fostering, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and the belief that every animal deserves love and a safe home.
August 8, 2026
November 6, 2025
August 4, 2025
November 26, 2016
November 2, 2014
Join Our Animal-Friendly Community
There's always room for another friend in the MUTTS community. Sign up for our free Daily MUTTS email to enjoy a daily comic strip, a little inspiration, and heartwarming stories from fellow animal lovers. It's a wonderful way to start your day and stay connected with people who share your love for animals and kindness.
How MUTTS Helps Animal Shelters
MUTTS donates hundreds of signed comic strip prints each year to help animal shelters and rescue groups raise money. These prints are used in raffles, auctions, and other fundraising events, and together, they've helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for animals in need. If you're involved with a nonprofit shelter or rescue organization, we'd love to hear about your upcoming fundraising event. Learn more about our donation program and how to request a print.