While people often think about donating goods to humans in need, we often overlook animals in shelters that have needs just as much as humans. Animals can often benefit from things we can not donate to shelters for humans, making them a great place to keep on your donations list. Here are a few simple things you can donate to your local animal shelter.
Used Blankets
Used blankets that have holes or stains may not suitable for donating to human shelters as they often request ‘like new’ items. Instead of throwing these out, donate them to your local animal shelter! Animals can use them to keep warm or lay on. Small holes and stains do not bother a dog looking for a comfort item. Often these blankets get destroyed in the kennels so they are the perfect place for your less than perfect blankets you declutter.
Old Towels
The same goes for old towels. When they become too stained to keep around the house, why not donate them to a local animal shelter. Animal shelters can use them to dry a freshly washed animal after a rescue or even to help transport them in comfort during an animal rescue.
Old Stuffed Animals & Pet-Friendly Toys
Another simple thing to donate to your local animal shelter is old stuffed animals. These toys often take over your home when you have children. However, they are perfect to help keep animals in shelters entertained and comforted. Along with stuffed animals, consider donating balls, frisbees, and other pet-friendly toys.
Basic Pet Gear
If you find yourself with extra basic pet gear or happen to come upon a good sale, shelters can always use extra leashes, colors, flea collars, small dog shirts, and cat and dog toys. And, remember the deals you find can make great tax credit donations while making an animals life more comfortable while in a shelter.
Your Time
Last, but not least! You can donate your time. Shelters are always in need of volunteers. You may enjoy walking the dogs or playing with the cats to help give them a little human interaction. You may even be willing to help clean the cages. Or, do you have other skills such as computer, photography, etc. that may help them in getting the pets adopted. Whatever time you can give them is always very much appreciated.
As you can see, there are several simple and common items you can donate that will make a world of difference to animals in need. There are also other easy ways you can help your local animal shelter. And, if you have ideas, we would love to hear about them!
One thing that you can donate is old baby bottles. Sometimes very young puppies and kittens who still need to be nursed are brought to shelters. Even if the mother is brought with them, she’s often be too weak to nurse and the little ones have to be bottle-fed by volunteers.
It’s so important to donate time and items! Especially to those pets in need!
I live way to far to sit there at the shelter but I do try to make sure a couple of times a year a take money out for food, bedding , toys and brushes for the shelter , I often feel cheap but I know its what I can only do.
@tisonlyme143
These are some great ideas. I’m sure the shelters appreciate these donations!
I am gonna start to donate to the shelters
Great ideas to donate! I have some old blankets that I’m sure they could get some use out of!
Thanks for the reminder to donate
I’m a pet lover. I have a teacup Yorkie and an English Bulldog. Thank you for spreading the word about how easy it is to help animals in need.
I have a friend who used always take old towels and blankets to the animal shelter when she was alive. It help out a lot simple things like this.
I’ve donated towels and blankets. I know how much they’re needed.
This is all great info. We have 4 rescue doggos and love them all. Shelters are always in need of extra supplies and hands.
Thank you for the reminder to donate to animal shelters.
Thank you for sharing. we have an animal shelter close by that i could donate these items to