Animal shelters all over the country tend to stay at full capacity. Most are running on a limited budget, and rely heavily on donations. Some things shelters need are obvious, some are not. Helping may not be as hard as you think.
1) Towels. We all wear out our towels. Some get fringy at the ends, some get dingy or discolored, and some get holes in them. Guess what? The animals don't care! Often,
animals are brought in wet or cold. Sometimes, they just want something to lie on. Towels are very versatile. They can be used as blankets, be used to dry a wet animal, or be used to clean messes the animals make at the shelter.
2) Old blankets. These can be used similar to the towels. They can be cut up to use in cages with smaller animals, or left whole for the larger animals. All of them love things to lay on. People often throw these away, but shelters love them. Check yard sales, too. Often, people sell them very cheap.
3) Food. Sometimes, when the budget is stretched, food is needed badly. Consider using coupons or sales to get food at a discounted price to donate. Both dry and canned food can be used. Full bellies make animals happier in a scary situation.
4) Treats. Treats are often on sale at stores, and can be purchased cheap. Dogs look forward to these treats whenever they can get them. Most any kind is appreciated. Rawhide bones are also well loved.
5) Toys. If you were alone in a cage, wouldn't you want something to play with? Animal toys are often overlooked, and they wear out fast. Squeaky toys, stuffed animals and even balls are played with by our furry friends.
6) Laundry detergent. Those blankets, towels and things have to be washed. Laundry detergent, if not donated, comes out of the shelter's budget. Fabric softener is also very welcome!
7) Grooming items. Animals need to be bathed, brushed, and taken care of. Items to help groom them are not often donated. Sometimes, you can get these things from a dollar store cheap. Brushes, combs, shampoos, even animal nail clippers are useful items.
8) Dog beds. If you have them, if you see them on sale, or if you know someone getting rid of theirs...animal beds are so loved by the animals. A soft place to lay and relax. Comfort is important.
9) Leashes and collars. Shelters often use them to walk animals, and they also often give them away with adoptions, so they are always in short supply. They aren't very expensive, but when you go through so many, the cost adds up for the shelters. All sizes are needed and used.
10) Food dishes. Can you imagine how many of these shelters go through on a regular basis? They get worn out, pushed around, and broken. New ones are also something that isn't expensive, but eats into a shelter budget. Please help me by donating items...you can bring them to my house I will take them to a local shelter or rescue. Please email [email protected] and we'll give you the address of where to drop. Thanks so much!!!! Justin W.
