How you can help
Animal shelters such as Wanderers' Rest rely heavily on, and succeed because of, community participation. There are several ways in which you can help us to help the homeless animals that come into our care.
- Adopt a Pet from the Shelter. At almost all times we have many dogs, cats, puppies and kittens waiting for good homes.
- Be a Foster Family. If you are not ready for a lifetime companion animal, consider becoming a foster household. The Shelter frequently has need of families that will care for animals on a temporary basis until permanent homes can be found. For these pets, Wanderers' Rest pays all veterinary expenses up to the time of adoption. Contact the Volunteer & Foster Coordinatoror for details of the Foster Program.
- Donate your Time -- Volunteer. Wanderers' Rest has an extensive volunteer program with a variety of activities and projects available for everyone from 12 years of age up to 80. Whether it's socializing dogs, brushing cats in the Shelter or working outside of the Shelter at public events and fundraisers, there's so much you can do to help us help the animals. Click to view our Volunteer Application form. If the program looks appealing to you, print a copy of the form (3 or 4 pages, depending on your printer's setup), or stop in at the Shelter to pick up a copy of the application and chat with other volunteers.
- Donate Supplies and Equipment. The Shelter can always use clean towels and blankets, as bedding for dog runs and for other purposes. And animal carriers in good condition are always welcome. To ensure that any items you may wish to contribute can be put to use, please contact the Shelter Staff.
- Donate Refundable Bottles and Cans. Each year the nickels that we get from returning bottles and cans add up to a significant amount of money. If you would like to help in this way, collect your empty returnable bottles and cans in a clear plastic bag and drop them off at the Shelter on Sutherland Drive. (There is a large open wooden box, just to the right of the front door, that is used for this purpose.) If it is more convenient, you can take your bottles and cans to T-N-C's 5 Cent Return Center in Oneida, or to F-M Returnables in Manlius, and designate them as a donation to Wanderers' Rest.