Want to help a shelter animal, but your lease says "no pets allowed?" There are many other ways you can help animals who are waiting to be adopted.

1.       Donate old towels, blankets or sweaters.

If your favorite cozy sweater has a hole in it or you just got a new set of bed sheets, consider donating your old items to your local animal shelter. Towels can be used to tame feral cats or used on dogs after a bath. And don't forget: animals like a comfy nap spot just as much as you do!

2.       Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Save your old newspapers, but instead of throwing them in the recycling bin, let the animals at the shelter have them. Cages - especially for piddling pups - are lined with newspapers and are changed often.

3.       Give your time.

If you can't have a dog at home, that doesn't mean you can't have a companion for your morning walk. Many shelters ask for volunteers to play with the animals, so they can get out of their cages for a bit and socialize, and all dogs need to be walked. You can even foster pets so they can live in a nice home until they find a permanent one. It's good for the animal and makes space at the shelter. (Be warned: you might fall in love).

4.       Kitty litter. 'Nuff said.

5.       Speaking of poop...

Many shelters ask for cleaning supplies: paper towels, bleach, cleaning wipes, etc.

6.       Grub up!

Shelters need food for all their animals. It might be a good idea to ask them what they need (maybe they have a new rabbit rescue or are low on cat food). You can even buy from websites like Found Animals Adopt & Shop, which says on their site, "As a part of the Found Animals nonprofit organization, we're empowered to approach adoptions differently. Proceeds from Adopt & Shop retail sales are donated to programs that support the happiness and safety of animals in our homes, shelters and everywhere in between."

7.       Cold hard cash

A cash donation is always welcomed and it could help cut veterinary bills or to fund a no-kill shelter who is keeping an animal for an extended time.

8.       Keep the shelter pets from getting bored with new toys.

Rawhide bones, rubber balls, cat toys... anything that can occupy a pet's time until he finds his fur-ever home is appreciated. You can make catnip toys by filling old socks with polyfill and catnip. (Some animals are super easy to buy for - rabbits love to chew on cardboard boxes!)

9.       Be an advocate.

Get involved on Facebook or Twitter. Find the Facebook page for your local ASPCA and check in to see what they need or if they are having any events. Join online communities for those who are looking for lost pets.