IGA Moss Vale has donated $1280.36 to Friends of the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter (FOWAS) as part of its IGA Community Chest program.

Brad Payten from IGA Moss Vale said two cents from every IGA product sold went into the community chest.

"It's about ensuring community money stays in the community," he said.

The owner of the store is very animal friendly and Mr Payten said it was easy to select FOWAS as one of the four local charities supported.

The donation will help ensure animals that end up at the shelter have the best chance of being rehomed.

FOWAS president Dee Morgan said it would help pay for the pet handler who worked with the dogs, provide specialist food for pets with dietary requirements and pay for elective surgery for dogs such as Billy, a Cavalier King Charles who had a deformed jaw.

"It's proven to make a difference when it comes to rehoming," she said.

"They're socialised, fed properly, have been handled and they behave so quickly and find a home."

FOWAS receives ongoing support from community donations as well as from local business such as Moss Vale IGA.

However, the plans for the donation won't go ahead until council announces its decision on the future management of the shelter at the end of May.

"We will hold off on using the money until council makes its decision as we don't want to invest more money and assets if we don't know where it's going," Ms Morgan said.

When it comes to future management of the shelter, FOWAS is campaigning for Option 1 so it remains under council's control.

For more information about FOWAS, visit www.fowas.org.au.