This Just In...Regarding Taking Donations to Shelters in Texas

Galveston County [9/26 am - let me clarify here -- not referring to the entire county, just the Galveston County Shelter which is what would have been called, in the old days, "the pound"] AND the Humane Society in Beaumont both have state requests for supplies and have received donations from manufacturers as well, in addition to additional items being requested and the state paperwork being worked.

People should NOT just drive in. If they have something they want to donate, they need to contact the shelter directly and arrange for delivery. The Galveston Co shelter has also had two PetsMart Charities Waggins delivered with all that comes off of those, including cages. (2 - 18 wheelers full!).

In order for their sites to not become a donations management nightmare, people considering taking donations directly to these shelters need to talk directly w/the shelters, NOT just start collecting things and driving down, AND not relying on what volunteers may be stating (including the postings from Best Friends Animal Society). They need to talk to the shelters in Galveston or other shelters like Beaumont, Mont Belvieu, Texas City, Etc.

(this post addresses many, many posts circulating on the www, including some from the Best Friends Network, and some right here on this blog -- this post, for example)

Remember, this does not mean that there are no shelters or rescues still in need of supplies! This only means that you need to actually speak to someone at the shelters you wish to help before you actually make the trip, verify that they will actually use the supplies and are not inundated or full to the brim with no storage space for the items or no need for them. Also, one thing that almost all shelters and rescues can always use is cold, hard cash! Just make sure that your donations are going only to responsible, reputable rescues/shelters!

If you have already collected items and can not find a shelter or rescue that is willing to take the items, please do not get discouraged. The shelters that are in the news are definitely not the only ones out there, they are just the ones that get more attention. There may be other, smaller, more rural shelters that don't know about the options available to them or may not get the attention the others do (we know there are communities where the people aren't getting the attention they deserve, so...). There may also be groups that are reaching out to people in their communities who need help with their pets in their homes. There are some of us looking into that as well.

I will continue to try to keep you updated as I get information. Special thanks to those who take time out of their busy schedules to help me get answers/set me straight! They are appreciated :)