How Can You Help Dog Shelters in Winter?

Feb 24, 2025

Dog shelters play a crucial role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned pets. Organisations like UPPA (União Para a Proteção dos Animais) tirelessly work to give every dog in need a second chance, yet they rely heavily on community support. Winter brings extra challenges—lower temperatures, higher costs, and increased needs—making external help even more essential.

At OhMyDog&Co, we believe that together we can make a difference. That's why a portion of every purchase, both online and at our shop in 8Marvila, goes directly to UPPA. By choosing our products, you're also helping the dogs who need it most!

We talked to Sandra Vicente from UPPA to better understand their most pressing needs this time of year and how each one of us can support the shelter.

Adoption: The Best Way to Help

If there's one thing that can change a shelter dog's life forever, it's responsible adoption. UPPA shelters many dogs waiting patiently for their forever homes. Adopting not only provides a permanent home for one lucky pup, but it also frees up vital space for the shelter to rescue even more animals, offering another dog a second chance.

If you're thinking about adopting, get in touch with UPPA via email: uppa.adoptantes@gmail.com.

Sponsorship: Helping from a Distance

If adoption isn't feasible for you right now, consider sponsoring a UPPA dog. With a small monthly donation, you help cover food, veterinary care, and overall wellbeing for your sponsored pup. Plus, you can visit them regularly and enjoy spending quality time together.

For more information on sponsorship, contact: uppa.apadrinhamento@gmail.com.

Become a UPPA Member

Another great way to offer support is by becoming a UPPA member. Your monthly membership contribution helps ensure the shelter has steady resources to continue their vital mission. This is an excellent way to continuously support the cause and become part of a community dedicated to animal protection and wellbeing. You can send an email to uppa.socios@gmail.com for more information.

Essential Donations for Winter

Winter can be particularly challenging for shelters. As temperatures drop, dogs need extra comfort, and certain material donations can make all the difference:

Blankets and bedding (used items in good condition are welcome) to keep dogs warm.
Quality dry and wet dog food, crucial to strengthen immunity this season.
Veterinary medicines and supplements, especially important for older or weaker dogs.
Cleaning and disinfectant products, as shelters must always remain spotless for the animals’ wellbeing.

If you have items to donate, please reach out to UPPA directly.

Volunteering: Your Time Can Change Lives

If you can’t donate goods or funds, your time can be the greatest gift. There are many ways volunteers can significantly impact the shelter's operations:

Walking dogs, helping them stay active and burn off energy.
Assisting with daily shelter tasks, such as cleaning and organising.
Taking photographs and promoting dogs for adoption—the better they're showcased, the more likely they'll find a family.

UPPA always needs dedicated volunteers. If you’re keen to help, contact them at uppa.voluntariado@gmail.com and discover how you can get involved.

Business Solidarity: Partnerships That Make a Difference

If you run a business, consider partnering with UPPA. Whether through donations, sponsorships, or fundraising events, there are numerous ways to support this cause.

For details on partnerships, please email: uppa.parcerias@gmail.com.

Small Gestures, Big Impact

There are even more ways to support UPPA:

Share on social media—the more people know about the shelter’s work, the better chances to find adopters and donors.
Support fundraising events and campaigns, either by participating or helping organise.
Create your own charity initiatives, such as raffles, auctions, or sales, donating proceeds to UPPA.

Every Action Counts

As you can see, helping a shelter like UPPA isn't just about money or material donations—there are countless ways to contribute to the wellbeing of rescued dogs. Whether through adoptions, donations, partnerships, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every small gesture counts.

And remember: when shopping with OhMyDog&Co, you're automatically supporting UPPA. Visit us online or drop by our shop at 8Marvila and join this cause. Together, let's make sure winter is warmer and safer for these furry friends!