[Editor’s Note: This article features XChange Picks – deals and products we think you might like. These features may contain affiliate links from our partners.]

MANILA, Philippines – We would often see posts about abused or abandoned cats and dogs going viral on Facebook. It hurts us to see these innocent animals like that but we can’t always run to their rescue. As much as we want to, not all of us have the capacity to foster or even adopt.

Good thing, there are animal welfare organizations like Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA), Save the Laguna Pitbulls (LPB), Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART), Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc. (AFK) with volunteers who tirelessly dedicate their time and skills to saving animals.

However, these organizations heavily rely on grants and donations to be able to do what they do. And donations don’t always have to be in the form of cash, donations in kind are very much needed, too.

Here are some of the things you can start with:

High quality dog food

Most of the dogs being rescued are weak, malnourished or in some cases, suffering from serious illnesses. That’s why they need high quality dog food like Vitality, Royal Canin, or Hill Science Diet for faster recovery.

Food bowls

If you’re already donating food, why not throw in food bowls while you’re at it? Opt for high quality food bowls so even the giddiest dog won’t be able to break it and the shelters can use it longer.

Tick and flea medicine

Since they’ve been living in the streets, a lot of stray animals are infected with ticks and fleas. Severe cases can only be fixed by using medicated drops such as Frontline Plus. This will not only give them comfort but it will also stop the ticks and fleas from transferring to other dogs.

Natural dog shampoo

Toiletries like soap and shampoo are some of the items that’s often used in a shelter. So, it’s important to always have a steady supply. Consider donating natural and organic shampoos like these from local pet brand, St. Roche.

Natural surface cleaners

Taking care of a lot of cats and dogs involve a lot of cleaning. But it’s also important to make sure that whatever they use for cleaning doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that the animals might inhale or worse, lick. Help keep shelters clean and safe for animals by donating natural cleaners like this Minty Orange surface cleaner from Messy Bessy.

Sturdy mops

Apart from surface cleaners, of course, they also need sturdy mops to wipe off pee and other fluids. This may not be the type of item that interested donors would think of first but this is just as important as all the other things that shelters are in need of.

Scratch post for cats

You know how playful cats are. For them, anything can be a toy or a scratch surface. Help sanctuaries build a nice playground for cats by donating cat condos or scratch posts. You won’t only help entertain the cats, you also help keep them from scratching the paint off the walls.

Cat treats

Rescue cats also want and need the love we give to our own pet cats. We can help them feel at home by playing with them and giving them cat treats! Trust me, this is the way to a cat’s heart.

And once you’re ready to take your animal advocacy to the next level, you can also try volunteering for these animal welfare organizations. The perks? You get to spend time with loving dogs and cats and help spread the word about animal welfare. – Rappler.com