More than a few of y’all have written in recently to ask us how you can best support our area animal shelters + rescues, and today, we’re bringing you the scoop on how to help care for our homeless area critters.

Appalachian Wildlife Rescue

This Candler-based org provides care and treatment to injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of giving them another shot at life in the wild. Support its efforts by peeping its wishlist of items. Email the org to coordinate donations. You can also designate AWR as your charity when you shop on Amazon Smile.

Asheville Humane Society

In addition to items on its wishlist, AHS needs the following items to best care for its homeless pets: canned food for dogs + cats, used or new bath towels, cat litter, small dog treats, peanut butter, spray cheese, and any animal toys that can be easily sanitized (preferably no cloth toys). You can also support its Holiday Drive.

ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center

This 28,000 sqft facility in Weaverville is the ASPCA’s first-ever permanent facility dedicated to rehabilitating dogs that have been victims in animal cruelty cases. The BRC has an Amazon Charity List with items used to provide behavioral treatment for its dogs. Its most pressing need? Additional foster families who can provide temporary care for graduates before they’re adopted. Apply to foster here.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

From adoptions to its low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinic, Brother Wolf helps countless area animals. That’s why they always need: wet dog and cat food, cat litter, Kongs, new or used blankets, towels + sheets, and xylitol-free peanut butter. You can check out its wishlist for more items or make a monetary donation online or anytime during business hours, Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Full Moon Farm Wolfdog Sanctuary

WNC’s only sanctuary for wolfdogs needs the following items for the winter: flake pine shavings, wet + dry dog food (Victor Canine Hero and Pedigree canned), bales of straw, play sand, and rock salt for its driveway. See its wishlists here.

Mountain Pet Rescue

Items from its Amazon wishlist are shipped directly to this foster-based animal rescue. For those who’d rather shop on their own, MPR accepts donations at Thrift Hound (234 New Leicester Hwy.), Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also drop off donations at its headquarters at 7 Old Pisgah Highway, Candler, Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wild Heart Farm & Sanctuary

This nonprofit farm + sanctuary in nearby Mars Hill launched in summer of 2019 and now has 60 rescued farm animals in its care. The farm accepts donations via Patreon, Venmo, and PayPal, and also has an Amazon wishlist. Find its additional necessities here.