How to volunteer at the Pennsylvania Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Got few minutes? A few bucks? A heart? You can pitch in at the PSPCA, 350 E. Erie Ave., 215-426-6300, pspca.org, volunteers@pspca.org.

If you wanna go

First, sign up for an hourlong volunteer orientation (there are four each month). When you're done, you'll be able to get right to work - and you can come back at your convenience to:

Play with a dog outside.

Hand-feed a dog or a cat.

Clean cat cages.

Do laundry.

Take photos of animals.

Greet clients.

Assemble beds.

Lend a hand at adoption events.

If you wanna stay (at home)

Make follow-up phone calls to new pet owners.

Foster adoptable animals.

If you wanna donate stuff

The PSPCA needs:

Clean blankets and towels.

Dog and cat toys and treats (no rawhide).

Hot dogs and string cheese (for training).

Crates and carriers.

Gift cards for Target, PETCO, PetSmart and Home Depot.

If you'd rather donate dough

$400 buys lifesaving surgery for an abused or injured animal.

$280 cares for one homeless animal for about two weeks.

$125 buys 360 pounds of food for homeless animals.

$50 provides special diets for emaciated animals.

$35 pays for a half a tank of gas for Humane Law Enforcement officers.

- Lauren McCutcheon