There's no better time than the Holidays for giving to those less fortunate, and the needy residents at your local animal shelter are no exception.

Rescue groups and shelters feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and care for those who have been abandoned. Many larger shelters also offer low-cost medical care and spay/neuter programs. To provide these valuable services, in addition to many others, most of these groups rely on volunteers and the charitable donations of local residents. The holiday season is an ideal time to help.

A gift of pet supplies
Most animal shelters are always in need of pet food and supplies for the homeless animals in their care and are grateful for donations of any of these items throughout the year.

To help local shelters and rescue groups in their communities, many Best Friends Pet Resorts set up a "Giving Tree" or "Angel Tree" in their lobbies during the holiday season. The trees contain cards with information about needy cats and dogs at local shelters. Customers are invited to select an ornament and donate a pet toy, treat or food item as a holiday gift to an animal in need.

Each Best Friends Resort works with at least one local shelter or rescue group to identify pet care needs. For example, the West Berlin, NJ Pet Resort is asking for donations for the Animal Orphanage, a nearby pet shelter. "Last year was a huge success," said Manager Leanne Barenbaum. "We're asking fellow animal lovers to be an angel to a homeless pet. Even a small donation will make a difference to the shelter."

The Rocky Hill, CT Pet Resort has chosen Service Dogs International as the recipient of clients' generous donations this year, while The Montgomery County SPCA will benefit from donations from the Best Friends Pet Resort in Gaithersburg, MD.

The program, in its third year, makes it easy for pet lovers to support their neighborhood shelter. For information, call 888-FOR-PETS.

Other ways to help
In addition to donations of pet supplies, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggests several other ways to support your local shelter or rescue group:

• Lend a hand. Volunteer your time at your local shelter. Bathe and groom the animals, walk dogs, or play with cats. Stuff envelopes for a mailing. Help publicize an event.
• Find that special someone. Choose your next pet from your local shelter. Many wonderful dogs and cats are just waiting for a permanent, loving home.
• Help spread the word. Tell your friends about your local shelter's services. Promote animal safety and responsible pet ownership.

Honor a memory
This time of year often evokes memories of those who are no longer with us, including beloved pets. Memorial donations are a meaningful way to express sympathy and honor memories, while helping animals in need.

Many animal advocate groups, including the ASPCA, offer Honor Giving programs as well. These wonderful gifts celebrate the special animals or humans in one's life. Just make a donation, and a card will be sent to that person's family acknowledging your thoughtful donation.

To find out more about national pet support programs, visit www.hsus.org, or www.aspca.org, and to find a local shelter near you, see www.petfinder.com.