what to donate to an animal shelter

What to Donate to Animal Shelters

• Newspapers. . The soft newspaper won’t hurt animal paws, and there is always a big need for it since many people don’t...
• Towels and blankets. . Gently used linens such as towels, blankets and washcloths can help with dog grooming needs and...
• Scraps of fabric. . To you, these may just be clutter left over from your craft projects, but...

Full Answer

What items are needed for animal shelters?

Donate old sheets and towels to a local animal shelter. Most shelters will accept old blankets, bath towels, hand towels, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, bathroom rugs and t-shirts. Most shelters are under-served in this area, so any extra help is greatly appreciated.

Where can I Surrender my Dog for free?

When you’re donating to an animal shelter, your best bet is to find a local shelter to work with. Different shelters have different needs. You can also use national programs to donate things like Kuranda dog beds. Shelters will often register for these and you can donate them with a click of a button and have them delivered directly to the shelter.

How to give up your dog to the Humane Society?

Donate pet food and litter Shelters and rescue groups go through a lot of pet food and cat litter every day. You can buy pet food in bulk at wholesale stores and donate: Wet dog/cat food Dry dog/cat food Clumping cat litter Non-clay cat litter (for kittens and post-op cats) Dog/cat treats Working Your Work Does your boss have a heart for pets, too?

Do animal shelters need towels?

Apr 02, 2014 · What to Donate to Animal Shelters Newspapers. . The soft newspaper won’t hurt animal paws, and there is always a big need for it since many people don’t... Towels and blankets. . Gently used linens such as towels, blankets and washcloths can help with dog grooming needs and... Scraps of fabric. . To ...

What do animal shelters need most?

General Supplies:Towels/blankets/washcloths.Newspaper.Wire pet crates of any size.Baby gates.Pet leashes of all sizes.Pet collars of all sizes.Stainless steel food and water bowls.Dry and wet dog food.More items...•Jun 9, 2016

Which animal charity is best?

The Top 15 Best Animal Charities in 2021Best Friends Animal Society.ASPCA.Animal Welfare Institute.Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.International Fund for Animal Welfare.Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.Alley Cat Allies.The Marine Mammal Center.More items...•Jun 16, 2021

What are 3 of the main reasons animals end up in shelters?

Why Do Animals End Up in Animal Shelters?Moving.Landlord does not allow pet.Too many animals in household.Cost of pet maintenance.Owner having personal problems/illness/death.Inadequate facilities.No homes available for litter mates.Having no time for pet.More items...

Which charities should you not donate to?

Here are some of the worst offenders:Kids Wish Network.Cancer Fund of America.Children's Wish Foundation International.American Breast Cancer Foundation.Firefighters Charitable Foundation.Breast Cancer Relief Foundation.International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO.National Veterans Service Fund.More items...•Feb 28, 2022

What is the best way to help animals?

Helping Animals: Five Easy Ways to Make a DifferenceVolunteer or Donate to a Shelter. Animal shelters are always in need of a helping hand. ... Preserve a Preserve. ... Raise Money in Your Own Backyard. ... Go Cruelty-Free. ... Limit the Meat in Your Diet.

How do I get rid of my pet dog?

You can surrender your dog by taking him to an animal shelter or rescue organization. It's important to know what will take place once you relinquish your pet to a shelter or rescue and also to be aware that there are alternatives. Some facilities don't allow walk-in surrenders and almost all charge a fee.

Why do people abandon their pets?

Pets are often abandoned because their owner can no longer afford to take care of them. Many pet owners are not aware of how much it costs to take care of a pet over their entire life.Nov 9, 2021

How do so many dogs end up in shelters?

Lifestyle Changes. People losing their job, getting a divorce, having a new baby, or encountering difficulties with their health are also common reasons that dogs end up in shelters.

What do shelters need?

Pet supplies aren’t the only supplies shelters need. Some other things that come in handy for shelters include: 1 Cleaning supplies (call your shelter and ask what cleaning supplies it uses/needs) 2 Old newspapers 3 Paper towel and toilet paper rolls 4 Old towels and blankets 5 Hand sanitizer 6 Office supplies

Is fostering a pet rewarding?

Fostering a pet is not only a rewarding experience, but it’s a great way to help out your local shelter from the comfort of your own home. Learn more about fostering cats and dogs, why you should and how to start in our articles on fostering cats and fostering dogs. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Can shelters use extra supplies?

Shelters can always use some extra supplies . Contact your local shelter or rescue group to see if it has a wish list of items it needs, just be sure to clean any supplies before you donate them. Often a shelter’s wish list will include:

1. Food

When considering what to donate to animal shelters, food is at the top of the list. Dry food and canned meals are necessary to maintain a healthy diet among shelter pets. Many facilities feed their rescue residents specific brands of food, so it's a good idea to call ahead to make sure that your donation will go to good use.

2. Cat Litter

Kitty litter is another product that you can never have enough of in an animal shelter. Just like pet food, many rescue organizations prefer to keep their litter brand consistent so check with volunteers before dropping off your donation.

3. Cleaning Supplies

Any pet lover knows how messy it can get caring for one four-legged friend. Now imagine an entire facility full of cats and dogs.

4. Blankets

It's an item you normally wouldn't consider giving, but gently-used blankets make perfect animal shelter donations. Metal cages can be cold and uncomfortable, and a cozy blanket can give shelter pets a sense of warmth and support.

Do Thundershirts help dogs?

ThunderShirts. “We use them a lot for our behavior modification dogs,” says Nelson. These dog apparel items work to reduce fear-, anxiety- and separation-related behaviors, providing a calming effect for the animals wearing them. Cars. Yes, cars! “One thing that people don’t think of is vehicle donations,” says Nelson.

Can plastic bags be recycled?

While not all shelters accept them, plastic bags can often be used to pick up dog waste in the facilities’ green spaces. Just be sure the bags don’t have any holes in them; those can be recycled instead. Heating pads/electric blankets.

Do animal shelters get funding?

Local animal shelters also typically do not receive funds from the national organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA. While cash donations are always needed ...

What do donors ask when searching for nonprofits to support?

When searching for nonprofits to support, donors may ask family and friends, depending on name recognition, or research how donations are used within the organization.

When was the American Humane Society founded?

The American Humane Society started in 1877 to ensure safe treatment for livestock in transit. This organization has grown to include rescue, farms, military, Hollywood, and conservation programs. American Humane Society Programs impact local shelters, farms, the military, and Hollywood.

How many horses were rescued during WW1?

During World War I, the American Humane Society rescued over 68,000 wounded war horses. Today, that same organization provides service dogs to wounded veterans suffering from PTSD. These life-saving efforts are changing the way the military and the world treat its servicemen and women.

When was Animal Welfare Institute founded?

The Animal Welfare Institute started in 1951 to rescue animals from experimental laboratories. Today, they are still mainly involved in limiting animal research and education and advocacy nonprofit. They also provide information and ways for their supporters to make a change in their community.

What is the mission of ASPCA?

2. ASPCA. Mission: To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Charity Navigator Rating: 83.36 out of 100. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA was the first Humane Society in North America.

What is the International Fund for Animal Welfare?

Mission: To improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. Charity Navigator Rating: 86.43 out of 100.

What is the mission of the Elephants?

Mission: To provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companion of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being, and to raise public awareness of the complex needs of elephants in captivity and the crisis facing elephants in the wild.