Most pet owners end up with a few supplies their animals no longer use. Maybe your dog outgrew a crate, your cat turned its nose up at an expensive bed, or you have unopened food, toys, blankets, and accessories taking up closet space.

Throwing these things away feels wasteful if they’re still in good condition. Luckily, plenty of shelters, rescue groups, and other pet owners may be happy to take them.

Before packing everything up, check the donation rules of the organization you’re considering. Some only accept brand-new items, while others welcome gently used supplies that are clean and safe.

Veterinary Clinics and Community Pet Programs

Some veterinary clinics and nonprofit pet programs collect supplies for families who are struggling to afford pet care. Depending on the clinic, they may accept unopened food, recovery cones, carriers, and other basic accessories.

Call ahead before dropping anything off, especially if you have leftover medication. Clinics have different policies about what they can accept, and many cannot take prescription medications from individuals.

Senior Dog and Special Needs Rescues

Older pets and animals with disabilities often need supplies that aren’t as common in regular shelters. Senior and special-needs rescues may appreciate orthopedic beds, ramps, soft blankets, mobility harnesses, and low-entry litter boxes.

Items such as orthopedic pet beds, pet ramps, and mobility support harnesses can make everyday life more comfortable for animals that have trouble walking, standing, or climbing. If your pet has outgrown or stopped using any of these items, a rescue may be able to put them to good use.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

Wildlife rehabilitation centers sometimes need everyday household supplies to care for injured and orphaned animals. Clean towels, blankets, heating pads, carriers, and certain cleaning products may be useful.

Each center has its own list of accepted donations, so check before bringing anything over. You can also look through this list of items thrift stores won’t accept before deciding where to take your unwanted supplies.

Animal Shelters

Your local animal shelter is a good place to start if you have extra pet supplies. Shelters go through food, towels, blankets, toys, beds, and cleaning products quickly as they care for animals waiting for adoption.

Call first to ask what they currently need and whether they accept used items. Some shelters have rules about food brands, bedding materials, and the condition of donated supplies.

Local Rescue Groups

Smaller rescue groups often operate on limited budgets and depend on community donations. Extra supplies can help them save money on everyday needs and put more of their funds toward veterinary bills and animal care.

Leashes, collars, treats, puppy pads, carriers, and toys are common items they may need. Adjustable pet harnesses, pet carriers, and durable chew toys can be especially useful for groups looking after several animals at once.

Animal Foster Networks

Foster-based rescues depend on volunteers who take animals into their homes until permanent families are found. Because these volunteers provide much of the day-to-day care, they often need basic pet supplies.

Blankets, grooming tools, litter boxes, food containers, and pet gates can make things easier for foster families. Items such as slow feeder bowls, pet grooming kits, and washable waterproof blankets may also come in handy.

Pet Food Pantries

Pet food pantries help families who are having trouble paying for food and other basic needs for their animals. These programs can help people keep their pets at home rather than having to give them up because of financial difficulties.

Many accept unopened bags or cans of pet food, treats, litter, bowls, and bedding. Some may also need airtight pet food storage containers, cat litter mats, and portable water dispensers.

If your pet can no longer eat the food because of a dietary change, contact the pantry before donating it. Be ready to share the brand, type, and expiration date so they can decide whether it’s suitable for their clients.

Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups

You don’t always have to go through an organization to find someone who needs your extra pet supplies. Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, and neighborhood community pages make it easy to connect with nearby pet owners.

This is a good option for larger items such as crates, gates, carriers, kennels, and pet beds. You can offer them for free or list them at a low price if they’re still in good condition.

Disaster and Emergency Animal Aid Groups

Animal rescue organizations often provide supplies to pets and their owners after hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other emergencies. Crates, food, blankets, towels, and other basic items can help care for displaced animals while families look for temporary housing or try to reunite with their pets.

If you have emergency pet supplies sitting unused, these groups may be able to use them. Check their current donation lists before bringing anything over, since their needs can change depending on the situation.