Here are items that most animal shelters take -- be sure to check with your local shelter before donating these items to make sure they are able to receive these donations:
- Pet food or litter
- Newspapers, which they can shred into bedding for the animals
- Towels and blankets for any and all dog grooming needs
- Scraps of fabric like t-shirts or even from leftover crafts. These can turn into soft beds for cats or dog toys!
- Plastic bags to pick up dogs waste (not all shelters accept them, and they mustn’t have any holes)
- Heating pads for sick/injured animals
- Gently used pet carriers, leashes, collars, bowls
- Empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls which can be chew toys
- Scrubs for animal care staff
- Household items like bleach, dish soap, paper towels, Kleenex, zip-lock bags, disinfectant wipes, powdered laundry detergent, garbage bags, mops, brooms, sponges
- Copy paper, pens, pencils, post-it notes, and staples -- buy them so the org doesn’t have to!
Don’t have the money to donate these items? There are other ways to give to your local animal shelter.You can also:
- Donate your time by cleaning and caring for the animals
- Donate your skills by creating websites for each adoptable pet or taking a great photo highlighting each animal’s personality
- Foster!
- Donate for your event or wedding registry
