There are lots of reasons you might donate extra supplies and items around the house that animal shelters may need. Right now is as good a time as any to do some cleaning and do a good deed at the same time.
It takes a lot to provide for all the animals in a shelter’s care. As you can imagine, shelters go through supplies very quickly. They could use all the help they can get. Plus, anything you do could help an animal get adopted.
Take some time to do inventory around your house. See if you have anything you’re ready to get rid of that a shelter might use. It won’t cost you anything to donate the items that you’re disposing or giving away anyway. And, let’s be honest; who doesn’t want a cleaner and more organized living space? You’re probably past due for a good cleanout if you’re anything like us. What’s more, you can feel good knowing you’ll be helping dogs as they wait for their forever homes.
You should, however, always call ahead to find out what your local animal shelter needs before you arrive with your items for donation. Shelters vary in what they can and cannot accept. Their needs may also change seasonally.
Items to donate to animal shelters
Here are eight items you probably already have around your house that you can donate to an animal shelter in need.
Unopened food or treats
If you bought food or treats in bulk that your pup didn’t like, or if you are switching your dog’s food and have unopened bags left over, then you can donate them to an animal shelter.
They’re usually willing to make use of anything that hasn’t been opened yet, though please make sure the food items haven’t reached their expiration date.
Many shelters can also use bowls, but call and ask what kinds they will take, as some shelters will only accept metal ones. In addition, some might also need specialty items like slow feeders.
Leashes, collars, and harnesses
Dogs need walks, and it can be especially hard to keep up with walking supplies for all of the dogs of various sizes that come to an animal shelter.
Many shelters are willing to accept any new or gently used walking accessories. Most would also take biodegradable poop bags, too. Donate them!
Sturdy toys
Shelter dogs can go through toys pretty fast, but it’s important to provide them with the mental stimulation and comfort that come with having items to play with.
Most shelters will take rope toys, balls, and toys from well-known brands like Kong. The sturdier, the better.
Sheets, blankets, or towels
Bedding material is very needed in shelter settings, and shelter dogs go through this stuff pretty fast. Accidents, chewing, and general use make these items hard to keep in stock.
Shelters tend to accept sheets, blankets, and towels regardless of whether they are new or used, so long as they are clean and aren’t completely falling apart, though not all do. Ask your local shelter if they accept these donated items.
Organization and cleaning supplies
As you can imagine, there are plenty of potty accidents to clean up around the shelter, as well as everyday messes that happen when you have a lot of animals together in one place.
Paper towels, garbage bags, rubber gloves, spray bottles, storage bins, and Ziplock bags are among the items that help animal shelters stay clean and organized. Donate!
Some shelters will also take rolls of newspaper, so long as any glossy ads are removed for safety.
Office supplies
When you think of helping animal shelters, you probably think mostly about helping the dogs directly, but there are many administrative functions at animal shelters that are necessary for helping shelter dogs find homes.
Office supplies are often needed for those tasks. Pens, folders, notebooks, electronics, and batteries are among the items used in the offices of animal shelters.
Some shelters also have youth or community outreach programs that do arts and crafts, and they can use supplies like glue, markers, construction paper, and more.
Call ahead at your local shelter to see if they need any of these supplies for their outreach programs before you donate.
Metal crates or carriers
If you have any new or gently used metal crates or carriers, shelters may be able to make good use of them. Some shelters don’t want plastic crates or carriers.
Make sure that these items are in good, working condition and don’t have any pieces falling off or sticking out.
Certain furniture items
This is one that you must absolutely ask your shelter about before you donate, but some shelters will take old armchairs, cots, or smaller furniture items that dogs can use as beds.
These provide pups with a little bit more home-like comfort while they’re in the shelter. Some shelters will also take folding chairs for outreach events and youth programs.
Again, ask before you donate.
