Local Animal Shelters Need Donations

Across the country, all shelters are in desperate need for your donations. Most people consider donations as things, but a lot could benefit just as much, if not more, from your time. A few hours at your local Humane Society can take a lot of pressure from overworked and underpaid people who only do their jobs because of a passion to help animals. If you can spare even two hours a week to help out doing laundry, cleaning runs and cages, or scooping poop from the yard, you will be doing a great service for your community. If you don't have time to spend out of your week, consider some of the following suggestions of donations that are needed in most shelters.

Towels and blankets that you might otherwise throw away because they're tattered will be welcomed with open arms. Animals don't mind a few snags and holes here and there. Pillows, dog beds, and sheets work well too. They certainly make a cement floor or metal cage a lot more comfortable.

Any safe animals toys are luxuries that most shelter animals don't get the pleasure of having. Be sure to think about the bigger dogs when choosing some to donate. They love toys too, but small ones aren't safe for them to have. Cats like the little balls with bells inside and can provide hours of entertainment.

Treats! Treats can make an animal feel special and also serve as a reward for good behavior. Milk bones are great because they're easy to store and are able to be kept longer at various temperatures.

Speaking of temperatures, believe it or not, some of our shelters in the United States are without air conditioning. With warm temps fast approaching, fans that are sitting in your attic can benefit not only the animals, but those taking care of them.

Extra leashes you may have laying around are helpful to staff. Believe me, there can never be too many leashes. They can disappear at the blink of an eye.

Paper towels, toilet paper, wash clothes, cotton balls, and basic items like this are often used in the shelters. If you are an employee at a company that makes things like this, speak with upper management about making a donation to shelters in your area. It would be tax-deductible in most cases and much needed.

General office supplies like pens, printer paper, sticky notes, highlighters, and scissors are often overlooked items that are crucial to operations at the shelter. Anything you can think of that falls into this category will be a great help.

Contact the shelter in your community and see what you can do to lend a hand. They may even have a list of their most needed items.