In Arizona, it just started getting cold. It’s hitting as low as 37° at night, and the coldest day we’ve seen was 59°. Tomorrow it’s supposed to be around 80° but it’s still really cold at night. That being said, we’re a WARM state! I know a majority of the country is already experiencing snow. During this time, animal shelters are overloaded. Some are super cold, with concrete floors for the dogs to lay on. So how can you help your local shelter during this busy, cold time?
I make frequent donations to shelters and you can too! Most likely, you have household items laying around that would be a huge help to a shelter!
- Old towels or blankets: I know most people have old towels or blankets they never use that are collecting dust in a linen closet. Well it’s time to clean out! Make space in your cabinets and closets, and donate those old linens! The dogs desperately need something warm to at least lay on. Anything is better than a concrete floor.
- Dog beds: I don’t know about you, but I have dog/cat beds in my house that my babies don’t use. If that is the same for you, donate what your dogs and cats aren’t using. The pet bed may be the most comfortable thing these shelter animals have ever laid on.
- Food: Shelters always need food, no matter what time of year it is. It doesn’t have to be a brand new bag of food. It can be samples from an event you went to, food your pet didn’t like, etc. Shelter animals need to eat and food is expensive.
- Gather donations: A lot of people don’t donate because they don’t want to drive to the shelter. Ask your friends to donate food, towels, blankets and toys, and you will go pick up the items from their houses! People are much more likely to donate if they don’t have to personally go to the shelter.
- Craft items: Are you crafty? Do you sew? You can make toys, bandannas or blankets for the shelter. Anything and everything is appreciated. Last year I donated upwards of 20 homemade blankets to the county shelter.
- Toys: We have way too many toys in our house. Khloee and Wynston probably play with half of them. Every few months I sift through the toys and donate the ones that aren’t being played with. Many of the shelter dogs might have never played with a toy.
Another idea for donations is to ask everyone to bring an item to donate if you are hosting a holiday party or potluck. It’s a wonderful, easy way to get everyone involved!
I recently set up a donation account for a dog that I found tied to a lamp post with electrical wire. I was desperately trying to raise money for medical treatment, as she was extremely ill. She ended up passing away, so all of the money raised is going to shelter animals who are in need of medical treatment that may cause them to be euthanized or put on the E-list. You can donate here. Let’s give struggling shelter animals that chance at a happy, loving Christmas!
Do you ever donate to any local shelters? What is your favorite shelter/rescue?
*All of the shelter dogs shown above are available or were adopted from MCACC.*
Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats says
Those are all great ideas to help shelters. They need help year-round! Love the idea of asking people to bring donations to a party or event.
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Amanda says
Having guests bring a donation item to a party is a super great way to help shelters. Lots of holiday parties are happening around this time of year so it works out well!
Daisy the French Bulldog says
These are great tips. I especially like the idea of having guests each bring a donation item. Great way to pay it forward!
Amanda says
Even if a guest brings something as simple as a can of dog food, it’s a meal that the dog may have not otherwise received!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
We just donated some clothes and food and toys to the shelter this weekend. I usually donate to the municipal one… they have the least money.
Amanda says
Same with us. I support County because they need the money the most!
Christina Berry | The Lazy Pit Bull says
Such great information here! It just goes to show that everyone can do SOMETHING. Thanks for sharing, we’ll be posting this on TLPB FB page later this week!
Amanda says
Thank you Christina! It’s important to donate all year long but during winter it’s crucial because the shelters are cold and become overloaded with “Christmas” dogs.
dawn says
Great suggestions. Our shelter takes donations of those Kuranda beds(uses pvc)for the dogs in kennels and you can find directions to make them. They help get the dogs off the concrete.
Amanda says
Those beds are great. Last year the boarding facility I work for donated some Kuranda beds! It’s a good idea to make them. I never thought of that!
Anton says
I love it when people gather up to help animals, it’s a very warm feeling. I’m not from U.S. myself, but what we do is just buy food for animals online and it gets delivered to the shelter. It’s on websites like these http://animalslife.net/ where they set up webcams in animal shelters and lets you provide various types of support for shelters.
I figure that something like that could be useful in winter in US.
Rachel says
Newspaper is also something that shelters usually need, so collecting them from your neighbors will help you make a sizable, helpful donation. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
Great suggestion, Rachel! Thank you!