August 26th is National Dog Day, an annual celebration founded in 2004 of all things dog-related. There are a lot of ways to celebrate this holiday, not the least of which is showing your pooch a little extra affection or bringing home a tasty treat, but remember that not every dog is fortunate enough to have found a loving home.

To have the greatest impact on National Dog Day, consider helping out your local shelter or animal organization. Even if you cannot adopt a new furry friend at the moment, there are still ways you can help out.

Monetary donations can go a long way to provide the supplies needed to care for sheltered animals; theses shelters are also in constant need of fresh towels, food, toys, and other necessities, so ask your shelter what you can donate.

If you cannot donate any supplies or monetary resources, you can still donate your time. Volunteering with a shelter or rescue organization can go a long way in helping out, and you might even make a dog’s day while he waits to find a new home.

One of the most important things any pet owner can do to alleviate the strain on shelters is to make sure their own dogs do not end up there. Ensure that your pets always wear their collars and identification tags, spay or neuter your pets, and inspect your property to make sure there aren’t any holes in the fence through which your dog could escape.

For more opportunities to aid a dog or animal in need, ask local animal organizations such as these how you can help:

• Long Road Home Rescue: 28 Maple Place, Manhasset, NY 11030
• Love N Care Pet Services: 15 Barberry Road, West Islip, NY 11795, 631-422-1904
• Baiting Hollow Horse Recue: 2114 Sound Avenue, Baiting Hollow, NY 11933, 631-369-0100
• Nassau County SPCA: 516-812-7771
• Suffolk County SPCA: 725 Veterans Highway Building 16, Hauppauge, NY 11788, 631-382-7722
• Pioneers for Animal Welfare Society: PO Box 861 , Hicksville, NY 11802, 516-364-PAWS