I’d be willing to bet that most pet parents have unused pet items laying around. Whether it’s food, toys, blankets or beds, you probably have something that would be better suited in the hands of a different person or animal! I enjoy de-cluttering my home, and a few times a year I do a major pet product purge. So if you have stood there asking yourself the question “what can I do with unused pet items?” I have some suggestions for you.
What can I do with unused pet items?
Do not throw unused pet items in the trash unless it’s expired food/treats, or something that could potentially harm a pet. Use your best judgement, then consider the following list:
Donate to an animal shelter.
Donating unused (or gently used) pet items to an animal rescue or shelter is always at the top of my list. Shelters are generally in dire need of items, especially food and beds or blankets. Even towels are desperately needed in shelters. Animal shelters will take unused bags of dog and cat food, even if they are open. So don’t throw it out!
Donate to a pet food bank.
Pet food banks are a thing! They are generous organizations that help families who may not be able to afford pet food. If you have unopened pet food or treats, or even opened food that is still good, consider locating a pet food bank if your area. They always need donations! (If you need assistance with pet food for your furry animals, do NOT be ashamed. There is help for you! See my blog post here!)
Give them away to family and friends.
Just because you aren’t using pet items doesn’t mean your family and friends won’t! Hit them up to see if they want any of your unused goodies! A Facebook post would be great for this 😉
Bring a box of items to the dog park.
Friendly pet parents may be interested in your unused pet items. Bring them in a box and put it on a table at the dog park. Attach a sign that says something along the lines of “Free items! Take what you need!” You’ll probably make someone’s day!
Donate to a family shelter that allows pets.
There are shelters for families who are getting back on their feet and domestic violence survivors. Many of these places allow pets. Call around and see if you can offer your unused pet items to a pet-friendly safe home. They will appreciate it more than you know.
Re-sell expensive pet products.
List your more pricey items on seller apps like Let Go and Offer Up. You can even use Facebook Marketplace. Examples include dog doors, smart cameras, smart feeders, robot vacuums, treat dispensers, pet clothing, specialty items, carriers and strollers.
Have a garage sale.
A garage sale is a great way to unload some of your unused pet items! You can even give some of the products away if people bring their dogs to your sale. Garages sales are a good avenue to get rid of things you don’t need and pocket a little cash.
Donate at a pet event.
Often times pet events have donation drives for animal shelters and rescues. Bring your goodies to a pet event and ask where you can donate the items. I’m sure they won’t turn you away!
If you have other ideas as to how you can re-purpose old or unused pet items, drop them in the comments!
Joe@BorrowMyPooch says
Hello Amanda, this is my first time to drop a comment here. Almost all the suggestion you mentioned above already in my mind, but sometimes to save cash, I re-use my old pet item for another generation or newborn puppy or kitten. If the condition is still okay, I might reuse back over and over again. Normally I will call the local animal shelter first before collecting any unused pet item, sometimes they do require a blanket that is not stuffed with any padding. Anyway thank for this great post, I enjoy reading your blog.
Amanda says
That is a great idea! Thank you for that!
Ivana Kinsley says
Good job, we should be reused or donate others for help. Most of the time we stored unused pet product that not correct way.