Pet food may seem like the obvious donation to an animal shelter, but it isn’t always what shelters need most. Caring for animals day after day requires a surprising amount of laundry, cleaning, bedding and other basic supplies that don’t immediately come to mind when people think about donating.
Many of these items aren’t expensive, and some may already be sitting unused around the house. Before dropping anything off, check the shelter’s current wish list, since needs and donation policies can vary, but these are some everyday supplies that can be especially useful.
Clean Towels
Old bath and hand towels don’t necessarily need to end up in the trash just because they no longer match the bathroom. Shelters can use towels for bathing animals, drying wet paws, cleaning kennels and providing an extra layer of bedding.
They don’t have to be beautiful, but they should be clean and usable. Towels with large holes, unraveling fabric or anything that could become a hazard may not be accepted.
Related: 12 Reasons You Shouldn’t Throw Out Your Old Towels Yet
Blankets
Blankets can make hard kennel and cage surfaces more comfortable while also giving animals a warmer place to curl up. They may be especially useful for puppies, kittens, senior animals, and pets recovering from medical procedures.
Washable blankets are often the most practical because shelter bedding needs frequent cleaning. Check before donating bulky comforters or heavily filled bedding, since some shelters don’t accept them.
Laundry Detergent
All those towels, blankets and washable pet beds create a lot of laundry. Detergent is one of those behind-the-scenes supplies that helps keep bedding clean and moving back into kennels.
An unopened bottle or box may not feel like an exciting donation, but it’s something a shelter can use regularly. Some organizations have specific detergent requirements, so check their wish list before buying to donate.
Paper Towels
Spills, muddy paws, feeding messes and everyday cleanup make paper towels an easy supply to go through quickly. Unlike some pet supplies that can sit in storage until they’re needed, cleaning products are used constantly.
This is also an easy item to add to a donation without spending much. An extra unopened pack from the pantry or garage could be more useful than buying another bag of treats the shelter already has plenty of.
Garbage Bags
Garbage bags aren’t the first thing most people picture when donating to animals, but shelters generate plenty of daily waste. They’re needed during kennel cleaning, litter changes and general cleanup throughout the facility.
Different sizes and strengths may be needed depending on the organization. Unopened boxes are easy to store and can help replenish a basic supply that staff repeatedly reach for.
Cat Litter
A shelter housing a large number of cats can move through litter quickly. Keeping litter boxes clean requires regular scooping and replacement, making litter an ongoing expense rather than an occasional purchase.
Shelters may have preferences for clumping, non-clumping or particular types of litter, especially when caring for kittens or animals with medical needs. This is one donation where checking the shelter’s requested products beforehand is particularly helpful.
Leashes, Collars and Harnesses
Dogs need to be moved safely around the shelter, taken outside, walked by volunteers and sometimes transported to adoption events or foster homes. That means having plenty of secure leashes, collars and harnesses in different sizes available.
Shelters may accept gently used gear if it’s clean and still in dependable condition. Frayed leashes, broken clips and damaged buckles should be discarded rather than donated.
Related: 14 Places That Will Happily Take Your Pet’s Unused Supplies
Food and Water Bowls
Every animal needs somewhere to eat and drink, and shelters may need enough bowls to accommodate many animals at once while others are being washed. Durable bowls that can withstand frequent cleaning are particularly practical in a shelter environment.
Stainless steel is commonly useful because it’s durable and easy to sanitize, but individual shelters may have their own preferences. Check before bringing a large collection of used bowls.
Cleaning Supplies
Keeping kennels, cages, floors, and common areas clean is a major part of running an animal shelter. Gloves, approved disinfectants, scrub brushes and other basic cleaning supplies can disappear much faster than someone outside the shelter might expect.
Don’t assume that any household cleaner is suitable around animals. Shelters often use specific products, so their wish list is the best place to check before buying disinfectants or chemicals.
Related: 13 Cleaning Mistakes You Should Stop Making
Pet Beds
A comfortable bed can give an animal a softer place to sleep while waiting for adoption, but not every type of bed works well in a shelter. Washable, durable beds that can handle repeated use and cleaning are generally more practical than delicate or heavily damaged ones.
Some shelters accept gently used beds while others only take new ones because of sanitation concerns. This is another item worth confirming before loading an old dog bed into the car.
