According to the ASPCA, roughly 8 million animals are processed into shelters each year. This gives animal handlers tons of work to do and thus the donations made freely given to them make the processes 100x easier.
There are many local pet treat pantries and non-profit organizations that are willing to accept your donations and a simple google search like “Dog Donation Near me” should help in finding one where you can make an impact in the lives of many dogs through your compassionate donations.
However, when it comes to donating to organizations that are for the animal cause, other items are great to donate as well other than pet food.
Used pet accessories for instance are an acceptable donation to shelters, especially if they have minimal wear. An old dog bed that your dog might have overgrown and no longer needs might be a great donation as well.
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-Donatable Items-
Leashes as well can be donated whether in new worn condition, as long as they maintain strength and a decent look, its best to donate than to trash them.
Many dogs in shelters need leashes. Environmentally-friendly supplies are also welcome donations as they continue to grow in the dog world in popularity.
These types of items range from pet bedding to toys and can be found everywhere. Towels and blankets are great for shelter dogs to enjoy some warm place to cuddle within.
Make sure that they are washed before donating and that they are in decent condition. Many facilities need towels for instance so that they can regularly wash their dogs and keep them maintained.
Laundry detergent is also welcome as it can be used to wash towels, beddings, and dog clothing to maintain cleanliness around the facility. Newspapers are great to donate as well since they make cleaning up after a mess a lot easier.
As for the animal handlers themselves, hand sanitizer is a handy thing to have donated. Keeps staff and visitors clean along with diminishing the risk of catching an infection.
Hygiene is key. Plastic bags can also be donated so that the facilities can be equipped to get rid of waste and re-bag their trash bins.
Nursing bottles for the younger animals are much appreciated as well as heating pads to stay warm during the winter. Lastly, shampoo and brushes that haven’t been opened before making for great donations as well.
Pet brushes and animal-grade shampoo can always be used to maintain animal hygiene. Good hygiene builds an animal’s overall well-being which can get them adopted.
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-Conclusion-
Say you don’t have anything to donate, well at the very least, you can donate your time. Volunteer work is always appreciated and donating your time makes for a great way to make an impact at these shelters.
Platinum Pet Treats, for instance, is a local company in Northbrook, Illinois, that regularly donates its product to local pet organizations and shelters like Orphans of the Storm. Specializing in serving the community with high-end quality dog treats.