If you have a big soft spot in your heart for animals and are looking for a way to give back this year, look no further than the Sumter SPCA.

The SPCA is located at 1140 S Guignard Dr and is open from 11-4 daily. Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

1. Supply Donations

The SPCA is always in need and appreciative of donations! They list the following items as necessities:

• Newspapers (no ads please, just the paper)
• Stuffed Animals (any size)
• Heavy Duty Trash Bags (large yard bags 30 gallon size or larger)
• Dish Liquid
• Laundry Detergent
• Bleach
• Paper Towels
• Sheets
• Comforters
• Baby Blankets (for Cat Cages and Puppies)
• Litter
• Canned Food (Dogs and Cats)
• Dry Food (Dogs and Cats)
• Treats
• Leashes and Collars
• Dry Puppy Food
• Lysol Spray
• 409 or any All-Purpose Cleaner
• Air Freshener
• No Scratch Scrubbers
• Sponges for dishes (2-sided)
• Litter Freshener

Whenever I have old or tattered linens & towels I always bring them to a local animal shelter. If you don’t have extra funds to purchase supplies to donate outright, this is a great way to help these organizations out by giving what you haven’t been using anyway!

2. Become a member of the Bark Park

The Sumter SPCA Bark Park opened for business in March 2021 and has been a favorite of Sumter dog owners since then. You can visit the Bark Park from 8am to 7pm Monday through Saturday. Members have access to the park with a digital key fob. The SPCA states that “Membership for the Bark Park is $100 for a year and $75 for six months. Each additional dog is $20. Your dog must be fully vaccinated (Rabies, DHLPP and Bordetella) and vaccinations must be current and up-to-date.” The park is split into two sides, one for small dogs and one for large. Each side is covered with turf grass so there will be no dirty doggies riding home in your back seat. The park also includes 2 splash pads, several doggie swimming pools placed around the play area, and several agility obstacles for the extra active dogs. Becoming a member of the Bark Park not only helps support the shelter, but is also an awesome way to join a community of like minded pet owners here in Sumter! Side note, if you’re super serious about your dog and you’re looking for more people who feel the same way, check out my facebook group The Pet Content with Mia Lee Photography.

3. Monetary Donations

Yes of course cash donations are always extremely appreciated by any animal shelter. You can drop your donation off at the shelter during office hours or make a secure online donation at this link.

4. Spay and Neuter Your Pets!!

The absolute best way to support any animal shelter is to spay and neuter your pets and make sure their outdoor enclosures are secure. The fewer accidental puppies and kittens we have, the easier the load is on the incredible shelter workers and volunteers. Read what the Sumter SPCA has to say about overpopulation here. If you have questions about when and how to have your pet spayed or neutered call your veterinarian.

5. Stay Up to Date

You can follow the SPCA on facebook here and like their Bark Park page here.

Just reading this blog post means you’re already well on your way to being a helpful Sumter pet lover! Thanks for taking interest and doing what you can to help out our local shelters.