YOU can Make a Difference – What Your Shelter Needs
Not everyone can adopt a dog – and that’s okay! Sometimes, our lives don’t have the time, space, or resources for a pet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still help our local shelters. You’d be surprised how many simple, everyday items can make a huge difference for shelter animals, and most of them cost little to nothing.
Here are some common items that shelters and rescues need – maybe you even have some around the house:
Newspapers
If you’re still receiving print newspapers, consider dropping them off at your local shelter. Newsprint (not the glossy pages of magazines) is perfect for lining kennels, especially for puppies who need constant cleaning up. With more people reading the news online, shelters are finding it harder to get the newspapers they need. Trust us – they’ll use every page!
Old Towels
Those towels that are a little too worn for your bathroom are like gold at shelters. They use towels to bathe dogs, wrap animals for comfort, and assist vet techs in caring for their furry patients. Before you toss old towels in the trash, think about giving them a second life at a shelter!
Blankets & Sheets
For shelter animals, blankets are pure comfort. They provide warmth, make a cozy bed, and create a sense of security. Watching a dog snuggle up in a blanket at the shelter reminds us how much these small comforts matter. Old sheets or blankets you no longer need? They’re a treasure for a shelter dog!
Paper Towels
A single shelter can go through dozens of rolls a day. Even a few extra rolls from your next shopping trip would mean the world to shelter staff working tirelessly to keep things clean.
Bleach & Disinfectants
Cleanliness is crucial in any shelter environment, where so many animals share close quarters. Bleach or other disinfectant cleaners are in constant demand, and even a gallon or two can be a huge help to shelters on tight budgets.
Old Toys
If your dog has lost interest in some of their toys, consider donating them (cleaned, of course!). Shelters are always looking for toys to keep dogs entertained and comforted.
Dog Beds
From tiny chihuahuas to big shepherds, dogs find a little comfort in a soft place to sleep. If you have gently used dog beds, they can make a difference in a shelter where beds are often scarce.
Empty Pill Bottles
Many rescues with in-house vets appreciate clean, empty pill bottles for dispensing medications. It’s an easy item to overlook, but shelters and rescues can often use them!
Monetary Donations
As always, financial support is always needed. Even a small donation can go a long way, helping cover food, medical care, and much-needed supplies.
Most Critical Item Needed
Of all the things a shelter needs, the most important is YOU. Your support can make a world of difference, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Something as simple as following your local shelter’s Facebook page and sharing posts about adoptable dogs can help them find loving homes. Or, if you have a little extra time, why not take a shelter dog along on your morning walk? Many shelters welcome and even encourage volunteers to help exercise the dogs—it not only gives the pups a break from their kennels but also gives them a new friend to look forward to. That friend could be you.
There’s something everyone can do to support their local shelter or rescue, and every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of animals in need. Let’s each try to do just one thing. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness for animals in shelters everywhere. Will you join me?
