Valley animal shelters looking for community help to keep pets warm in the winter

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local animal shelters want to make sure you don't forget about our homeless pet population this holiday season.

Shelters need your help with donations as the weather dips into colder temperatures this time of year. Donating a warm fuzzy blanket could help a furry friend in need this winter, and local animal shelters are asking for your help donating everything from used towels and blankets to bags of dog food.

"We definitely need some towels some blankets anything to keep these little animals warm," said Walter Salvari with the Central California SPCA. "Of course, they're on concrete and we do have heated floors inside but for some of the animals outside. It's a chance for the community to get together bring us some blankets bring us some towels we'll definitely use them here at the SPCA."

Life during the cold winter months can be rough for a dog. Pinky Paws in Selma is a no-kill shelter that operates on a limited budget and relies heavily on the community's support

"We have to keep on replacing these tarps," founder Krystle Woodward said.

Besides blankets, new tarps are needed to help keep animals dry during the rainy season.

"This last rain was able to show us where the links were so now I know where I need to repair," Woodward said.

And if you're really feeling generous this holiday season, these shelters would love nothing more than to find forever homes for these homeless pets.

"We do need foster homes too so that would be great because even the big dogs get cold and want to be inside so we have a website for all the available that want to be indoor," Woodward said. "We do have dog houses for all of them but were open to people to come on out and love on them and exercise them."

And right now, he CCSPCA is offering a pet adoption discount

"It's $49 to adopt a dog or cat here it's a great special, normally it's $180," Salvari said. "So, if you're looking to adopt and save a life, come on down to the shelter were open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday's from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m."