There are some items that your local animal shelter never has enough of. Whether it’s dog food, toiletries or snacks to energize volunteers, these 21 donations are always appreciated!
Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank to help the animals in your community. The variety of items on our list ensures any pet lover can find something in their pocket.
To compile our list of essential items, we checked Amazon Wish List of our friends at Lost Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL). With a huge facility with more than 100 dogs, a veterinarian trauma center, more than 60 employees and more than 1,000 volunteers, who know what an animal shelter needs!
1. Martingale Necklace
Martingale collar essential for animal shelters. Unlike traditional necklaces, martingales necklaces have a second, smaller fabric loop with an attached D. ring. When the dog pulls on the leash, the smaller ring will tighten, causing the main collar to tighten as well. This ensures that the collar does not slip over the dog’s head and also helps with leash training.
The Martingale collar is adjustable and should not be tied more than the width of the dog’s collar. They are a safe, comfortable way to keep baby mice safe for walks!
2. Potential customers slip
Like the Martingale necklace, slide guide provides a safe, sturdy option for dog walking. The leash tightens when the dog pulls to make sure they don’t wobble during outings or adoption events.
“Potential customers are our biggest need right now. (Any color will do!) We use these to walk our dogs, they’re great and we recommend them to all dog owners! ” – SRSL
3. Stainless steel dishes
Plastic dishes trap bacteria and can become dangerous chew toys for babies with anorexia. Mezzanine prefers stainless steel because it is safer and more hygienic. People at SRSL like these bowlsThis also helps.”Slows down some of our dogs from eating all the food within 2 seconds. “
4. Treatment / Treatment Training for Healthy Dogs
“The dogs ate all their junk food again! We use them to train and teach some manners before they are adopted! We will sell any brand and anything on sale! ” – SRSL
Shelter dogs get plenty of well-deserved rewards while they wait for their permanent home. Stray Rescue’s coaching staff loves these Frozen single ingredient dog food from Amazon.
5. Potion bag
“Many of our dogs are on antibiotics or on certain medications. Medicine bag making it so easy for our employees and our dogs LOVE them! “
According to our friends at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, some dogs are too smart to have medicine bags. Their secret weapon? Velveeta cheese!
6. Safe chew toys
Whether it’s a puppy or an elderly person, gnawing helps keep dogs calm and busy during their shelter time. Unfortunately, cowhide, real bones and low quality chew toys are too dangerousbut Nylabones is always safe and fun!
“Lost Rescue Dogs LOVE Nylabones. They are safe and keep our puppies from chewing on their adoptive family’s stuff! ”
7. Kong Toys
More chewy chewers and separation anxiety dogs may prefer Kong toys. They are safe for strong jaws and can be stuffed Kong Stuff’npeanut butter, yogurt, and other delicious treats for hours of enjoyment.
“Our chewers need things to keep them busy while they wait for their permanent home!” – SRSL
8. Toys For People Who Wrinkle Super Freaks.
“Even Kongs are no match for some of our tough chewing dogs! This should keep electric chewers busy! ” – SRSL
9. Puppy Training Pads
Puppies, older dogs, and those recovering from injury, surgery, or illness may not always be able to go outside to potty. Puppy training pad Great for lining the cage and keeping the dog clean and dry.
“We use a lot of puppy pads, we will use whatever brand is sold but like the idea of using eco-friendly products! Save the puppies, save the trees, save the ocean! ” – SRSL
10. Goals
Tarps also come in handy in applicable events. Staff can put them under the puppy crate for easy cleanup.
11. Heavy duty garbage bags
As you can imagine, the shelter goes through the trash bags pretty quickly. Big, heavy bag is best to prevent leakage.
12. Pet Safe Disinfectant Facial Cleanser
While shelters use heavy-duty cleaners when needed, products like REscue One Step best for Sanitize barns and high-traffic areas. Free of harsh chemicals and gentle on people and pets, this cleaner is a must-have for rescue facilities.
“This is the cleaner we use at Stray Rescue, which kills anything and everything a dog can carry and spread to their friends.” – SRSL
13. Antibacterial Handsoap
Animal sanctuary staff and volunteers wash their hands several times a day. They can always be used gently, antibacterial soap bottle.
14. Toilet paper
Even humans have to go sometime!
15. Tissues
Perfect for picking up poop and soaking up urine, animal shelters pass through tissues faster than puppies go through toys when teething!
16. Facial tissue
Whether it’s allergies or cold and flu season, animal care workers get the snortsalso.
17. Snack Packages for Guests, Staff and Volunteers
Stray Rescue offers their vending machines with cookies and French fries to make a little extra money for the animals. These quick, easy snacks also come in handy for staff and volunteers on busy days.
18. Puppy Playpens
An easy way to move to give litters of puppies space to stretch their legs. This puppy toys Can be folded and brought to adoption events or to adoptive parents.
19. Portable dog crate
Shelters and rescues often transport dogs from other facilities and cruelty/hoarding cases. Mobile crates also great for adoption events and temporary housing when the crib is full.
20. Storage bins
“We use this for our events, as well as for storage around the shelter! “
21. Storage Shelves
Shelters love to take advantage of great deals by buying in bulk. Plus, amazing community members make generous donations all the time. So add Storage Shelves is a must!
Before making a purchase, contact your local shelter to find out what items they currently need most, or ask if they have their own Amazon Wish List.
